This applet models the Boltzmann distribution of two compounds. The Boltzmann distribution gives us the relative proportions of two compounds that are interconvertible at equilibrium. If equilibrium has not yet been achieved, the value predicted by the Boltzmann distribution will not be realized.
Clicking on G+ increases the difference in the molar Gibbs energies of the two compounds. Click on G- to decrease the molar Gibbs energy difference of the compounds. Clicking on T+ increases the temperature, and clicking on T- decreases the temperature.
The relative population of the more abundant material is set as 1.00, and the relative population of the other is determined by p = exp(-ΔG/RT), where p is the population, ΔG is the molar Gibbs energy difference, R is the gas constant, and T is the temperature.
If one wants to calculate the Boltzmann distribution using the Gibbs energies of single molecules, substitute kB for R.
The relative proportions are also displayed graphically on the left side of the applet.
© 2004-2011 by Lawrence T. Sein. All rights reserved.
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