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theoretically what would the distribution curve for particle speed look like for any gas at absolute zero?

User Paparazzo
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Final answer:

At absolute zero, the distribution curve for particle speed for any gas would be a single point at zero speed.

Step-by-step explanation:

The distribution curve for particle speed for any gas at absolute zero would be a single point at zero speed on the x-axis. At absolute zero, all molecular motion ceases and the particles have no kinetic energy or speed.

User M G
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Final answer:

At absolute zero, the particle speed distribution curve theoretically becomes a single point at zero since all molecular motion stops, as opposed to the broader Maxwell-Boltzmann distribution observed at higher temperatures.

Step-by-step explanation:

Theoretically, the distribution curve for particle speed of any gas at absolute zero would be a single point at zero speed. This theoretical state is due to the postulate that at absolute zero temperature (-273.15 °C), all molecular motion ceases. According to the Maxwell-Boltzmann distribution, which describes the speed distribution of particles in a gas, higher temperatures yield a broader range of speeds and a shifted curve towards higher speeds. However, at absolute zero, since there is no kinetic energy, every particle would be at rest, resulting in a delta function at zerom speed, with no breadth to the curve whatsoever.

User Bertl
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