Question

Which one of the following statements is not true about the effect of an increase in temperature on the distribution of molecular speeds in a gas ?

• A. The area under the distribution curve remains the same as under the lower temperature
• B. The distribution becomes broader
• C. The fraction of the molecules with the most probable speed increases
• D. The most probable speed increases

Answer 1

Answer: (C)

Distribution of molecules (N) with velocity (u) at two temperatures $T_1$ and $T_2 (T_2 > T_1)$ is shown below :
At both temperatures, distribution of molecules with increase in velocity first increases, reaches a maximum value and then decreases.