Journal Article Detail Page
written by
Edward F. Redish
Making meaning with math in physics requires blending physical conceptual knowledge with mathematical symbology. Students in introductory physics classes often struggle with this, but it is an essential component of learning how to think with math. Teaching the dimensionality of measured quantities and dimensional analysis (DA) is a valuable first step in helping them learn to appreciate this difference. In this paper I discuss some of the issues associated with learning dimensional analysis and show some ways we can modify our instruction to help.
This paper is the first in a series of five articles on how to help students develop the scientific thinking skills required to effectively use mathematics in science. The author and publisher are temporarily offering this article for free access. See Related Materials for links to the five additional articles that comprise this series. They consist of a Collection Overview plus articles covering the topics of estimation, anchor equations, toy models, and functional dependence.
The Physics Teacher: Volume 59, Issue 6, Pages 397-400
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Record Link
<a href="https://www.per-central.org/items/detail.cfm?ID=16482">Redish, Edward F.. "Using Math in Physics: 1. Dimensional Analysis." Phys. Teach. 59, no. 6, (September 2, 2021): 397-400.</a>
AIP Format
E. Redish, , Phys. Teach. 59 (6), 397 (2021), WWW Document, (https://doi.org/10.1119/5.0021244).
AJP/PRST-PER
E. Redish, Using Math in Physics: 1. Dimensional Analysis, Phys. Teach. 59 (6), 397 (2021), <https://doi.org/10.1119/5.0021244>.
APA Format
Redish, E. (2021, September 2). Using Math in Physics: 1. Dimensional Analysis. Phys. Teach., 59(6), 397-400. Retrieved October 13, 2024, from https://doi.org/10.1119/5.0021244
Chicago Format
Redish, Edward F.. "Using Math in Physics: 1. Dimensional Analysis." Phys. Teach. 59, no. 6, (September 2, 2021): 397-400, https://doi.org/10.1119/5.0021244 (accessed 13 October 2024).
MLA Format
Redish, Edward F.. "Using Math in Physics: 1. Dimensional Analysis." Phys. Teach. 59.6 (2021): 397-400. 13 Oct. 2024 <https://doi.org/10.1119/5.0021244>.
BibTeX Export Format
@article{
Author = "Edward F. Redish",
Title = {Using Math in Physics: 1. Dimensional Analysis},
Journal = {Phys. Teach.},
Volume = {59},
Number = {6},
Pages = {397-400},
Month = {September},
Year = {2021}
}
Refer Export Format
%A Edward F. Redish %T Using Math in Physics: 1. Dimensional Analysis %J Phys. Teach. %V 59 %N 6 %D September 2, 2021 %P 397-400 %U https://doi.org/10.1119/5.0021244 %O application/pdf
EndNote Export Format
%0 Journal Article %A Redish, Edward F. %D September 2, 2021 %T Using Math in Physics: 1. Dimensional Analysis %J Phys. Teach. %V 59 %N 6 %P 397-400 %8 September 2, 2021 %U https://doi.org/10.1119/5.0021244 Disclaimer: ComPADRE offers citation styles as a guide only. We cannot offer interpretations about citations as this is an automated procedure. Please refer to the style manuals in the Citation Source Information area for clarifications.
Citation Source Information
The AIP Style presented is based on information from the AIP Style Manual. The AJP/PRST-PER presented is based on the AIP Style with the addition of journal article titles and conference proceeding article titles. The APA Style presented is based on information from APA Style.org: Electronic References. The Chicago Style presented is based on information from Examples of Chicago-Style Documentation. The MLA Style presented is based on information from the MLA FAQ. Using Math in Physics: 1. Dimensional Analysis:
Accompanies
Using Math in Physics: Overview
A link to the overview article by E.F. Redish that explains how all items in this collection are related to the topic, "Using Math in Physics". relation by Caroline Hall
Accompanies
Using Math in Physics: 2. Estimation
This is a link to the second in this series of five articles: "Using Math in Physics 2: Estimation". relation by Caroline Hall
Accompanies
Using Math in Physics: 3. Anchor equations
A link to the third in this series of five articles: "Using Math in Physics 3: Anchor Equations". relation by Caroline Hall
Accompanies
Using Math in Physics: 4. Toy models
A link to the 4th in this series of five articles: "Using Math in Physics 4: Toy Models". relation by Caroline Hall
Accompanies
Using Math in Physics: 5. Functional dependence
A link to the fifth in this series of five articles: "Using Math in Physics 5: Functional Dependence". relation by Caroline HallKnow of another related resource? Login to relate this resource to it. |
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