---
title: "Maxwell-Boltzmann Distribution — AP Chem Definition"
description: "The Maxwell-Boltzmann distribution shows how particle speeds and kinetic energies spread out at a given temperature. Key to AP Chem Unit 3 gases and Unit 5 kinetics."
canonical: "https://fiveable.me/ap-chem/key-terms/maxwell-boltzmann-distribution"
type: "key-term"
subject: "AP Chemistry"
---

# Maxwell-Boltzmann Distribution — AP Chem Definition

## Definition

The Maxwell-Boltzmann distribution is a statistical model that describes the distribution of speeds of particles in a gas. It shows the probability of finding particles with different speeds at a given temperature.

## Review

### Related Terms

- Speed Distribution: The pattern or spread of particle speeds within a gas sample.
- Energy Distribution: The pattern or spread of particle energies within a gas sample.
- Kinetic Theory: A theory that explains the behavior of gases based on the motion and interaction of their particles.