It does not alter the curve at all. A common misconception is that catalysts give molecules energy or alter the temperature. A catalyst changes the mechanism of the reaction, providing an alternate pathway with a lower Activation Energy . On the graph, the Maxwell-Boltzmann curve remains completely static, but the vertical Eacap E sub a
Represents the probability density (or the relative fraction of molecules). The X-Axis: Represents molecular speed ( The Area Under the Curve: Always equals of the gas sample). It does not alter the curve at all
“Shade the region of the graph representing molecules capable of reacting. How does a catalyst alter this visual representation?” On the graph, the Maxwell-Boltzmann curve remains completely
"What does the area under the Maxwell-Boltzmann curve represent, and why does it remain constant when temperature changes?" How does a catalyst alter this visual representation
b) has higher most probable speed.
Temperature is a direct measure of average kinetic energy. Since they are in the same container, both gases share the exact same average kinetic energy. The Mathematical Link: Kinetic energy is also defined as The Derivation: Because Helium has a much smaller mass ( ), it must have a significantly higher velocity (
Sketch what happens to the M-B distribution curve if: a) You double the temperature of a gas. b) You replace the gas with one of double the molar mass at the same temperature.