Following is the Maxwell Boltzmann distribution curve (gaseous molecules)
The peak of this curve corresponds to.
Answer & explanation
Correct answer: option 3
The correct answer is Option (3) → Most Probable Kinetic energy
At a given temperature the molecules of a gas have a spread of kinetic energies. The peak of the Maxwell–Boltzmann curve is the energy held by the largest fraction of molecules, the most probable kinetic energy. The activation energy lies far out in the right-hand tail, where only a small fraction of molecules reach it.
Why the other options are incorrect
Option (1) Internal energy — Incorrect. Internal energy is the total energy of the whole sample. The curve does not show a total; it shows the fraction of molecules having each value of kinetic energy.
Option (2) Potential energy — Incorrect. The curve plots kinetic energy only; potential energy does not appear in it.
Option (4) Activation energy. — Incorrect. Only a small fraction of molecules have energy equal to or greater than the activation energy. So it is marked far out in the right-hand tail of the curve, not at the peak.
NCERT (2026-27 edition):
Temperature Dependence of the Rate of a Reaction – …
Note: The same/similar question has been asked in different years by NTA as per the details given below:
| 2026 | 2025 | 2024 | 2023 | 2022 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 31-05 S2 30-05 S2 12-05 S2 | – | – | 10-06 S1 | – |