Theory

According to kinetic theory of gases, gases consist of small particles in random motion. But the gas molecular movement will follow molecular speed distribution law under certain condition. The steel ball representing the gas molecular, will collide each other, fall into the slot in random speed and angle. But at last you will see that most of the steel balls will fall into the center slot, and all of the falling balls will make a normal distribution curve. This will prove Maxwell's gas molecular distribution rule.

How to use:

1. Put the apparatus on the table, put the 4. Temperature Control Slide on position T1 (low temperature),
2. Insert the 1. Funnel on the top hole of main body, put all steel balls in to the funnel. The balls will get through the 3. Spread Board, 5. Nail Board, fall into the slot in random speed and angle. Finally the fallen steel balls will make a normal distribution curve. Use your pen to draw this curve on the glass cover.
3. Collect the steel balls from the slot. Move the 4. Temperature Control Slide to T2 (middle temperature) and T3 (high temperature), repeat step 2 by two times, draw the curve also on the glass cover. You will see that the curve has moved to right direction, cause the steel balls has higher speed when falling into the slot. That means, the gas molecular will have higher motion speed when temperature raise up.

Notice:

Every steel ball is falling into slot by random speed and angle, so you need enough quantity of balls to make the experiment and get right result.