Maxwell-Boltzmann Distribution Axes and Temperature

Steps:

• Examine the graph: y-axis typically plots the number of molecules at each kinetic energy level.
• Identify x-axis: it represents molecular kinetic energy.
• Compare curves: the higher-temperature line peaks at higher energy and has a lower maximum height due to broader spread.
• Determine labels: T1 curve shows this shift, indicating higher temperature.

Why B is correct:

• In kinetic theory, the y-axis is number of molecules (fraction with energy E), and T1 represents higher temperature as its curve shifts right per the Boltzmann factor e^(-E/kT), favoring higher energies at elevated T.

Why the others are wrong:

• A: T2 is lower temperature, with peak at lower energy.
• C: Y-axis is number of molecules, not energy; T2 is lower temperature.
• D: Y-axis is number of molecules, not energy; T1 is higher temperature.

Final answer: B