Term: particle size distribution
https://doi.org/10.1351/goldbook.P04431

Definition:
The size of the liquid or solid particles in the atmosphere usually extends from > 0.01 to < 100 µm in diameter. In the earth's atmosphere the distribution function which describes the number of particles as a function of diameter, mass or surface area of the aerosol can be determined reasonably well with modern instrumentation.

Related Terms:
1) aerosol (http://doi.org/10.1351/goldbook.A00176).

Source: PAC, 1990, 62, 2167. 'Glossary of atmospheric chemistry terms (Recommendations 1990)' on page 2205 (https://doi.org/10.1351/pac199062112167)

Citation: 'particle size distribution' in IUPAC Compendium of Chemical Terminology, 5th ed. International Union of Pure and Applied Chemistry; 2025. Online version 5.0.0, 2025. https://doi.org/10.1351/goldbook.P04431

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