Free interactive chemistry · SIM-THERMO-003
Boltzmann distribution
Energy quanta are swapped at random between oscillators, and the Boltzmann distribution appears by itself.
Open the interactive simulation →How to use this simulation
- Choose the size and the energy quanta per oscillator.
- Choose to start with energy shared evenly or all in one oscillator.
- Press play and watch the histogram settle.
- Scroll to “Real molecules” to see rotational and vibrational populations.
What to notice
- Most oscillators hold few quanta and a few hold many — an exponential shape.
- Spreading out energy is the second law in action; it never un-spreads by chance.
Try this
Start with all energy in one oscillator. How many exchanges until the curve looks exponential?
Try it for free →