`v_p = sqrt((2*R* T )/ M )`

Enter a value for all fields

The Maxwell Molecular Speed equation is used to calculate the most probable speed that is mostly likely to be possessed by a molecule (of the same mass M).

INSTRUCTIONS: Choose units and enter the following:

• (T) Temperature 
• (M) Molar Mass

Maxwell Molecular Speed (v_p): The calculator returns the probable speed in meters per second.  However, this can be automatically converted into compatible units via the pull-down menu.

The Math / Science

The formula for the Maxwell Molecular Speed is:

`v_p = sqrt( (2*R*T)/M )`

where:

• v_p = probable speed
• T is the temperature
• M is molar mass
• R is the ideal gas constant (8.314 kg*m² / mol*K*s)

Related Calculators

• Root-Mean-Square Speed

References

The formula and definition are from Wikipedia (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Maxwell%E2%80%93Boltzmann_distribution).