Physics students’ construction of differential length vectors in an unconventional spherical coordinate system
Published: 2019
Publication Name: Physical Review Physics Education Research
Publication URL: https://doi.org/10.1103/physrevphyseducres.15.010111
Abstract:
Vector calculus and multivariable coordinate systems play a large role in the understanding and calculation of much of the physics in upper-division electricity and magnetism. Differential vector elements represent one key mathematical piece of students’ use of vector calculus. In an effort to examine students’ understanding of non-Cartesian differential length elements, students in junior-level electricity and magnetism were interviewed in pairs and asked to construct a differential length vector for an unconventional spherical coordinate system. One aspect of this study identified symbolic forms invoked by students when building these vector expressions, some previously identified and some novel, given the vector calculus context. Analysis also highlighted several common ideas in students’ concept images of a non-Cartesian differential length vector as they determined their expressions. As no interview initially resulted in the construction of an appropriate differential, analysis addresses the role of the evoked concept images and symbolic forms on students’ performance.
Schermerhorn, B. P., & Thompson, J. R. (2019). Physics students’ construction of differential length vectors in an unconventional spherical coordinate system. Physical Review Physics Education Research, 15(1). https://doi.org/10.1103/physrevphyseducres.15.010111