Thesis Detail Page
Investigation of Student Understanding of the Wave-Like Properties of Light and Matter
written by
Bradley S. Ambrose
The research described in this dissertation is part of an ongoing investigation of student learning of the wave-like properties of light and matter. The investigation was conducted in the context of a broad range of physics courses, including courses for introductory students, advanced undergraduate majors, and graduate students. The initial emphasis was to strengthen the current research base on student understanding of physical optics. The scope of the investigation was later expanded to probe the ability of students to interpret the interference and diffraction of matter in terms of a wave model. The findings led us to extend the investigation further to include student understanding of the de Broglie wavelength and some very basic concepts in quantum mechanics. Additional difficulties in interpreting formal representations were found to cause confusion about the nature of light as an electromagnetic wave and inhibit the ability of students to predict the outcome of simple quantum mechanical measurements. The results from the investigation were used to guide the design of supplementary instructional materials that have been shown to address specific difficulties identified in the research.
University:
University of Washington
Academic Department: Department of Physics Pages 368
ComPADRE is beta testing Citation Styles!
![]() <a href="https://www.per-central.org/items/detail.cfm?ID=4725">Ambrose, Bradley S.. "Investigation of Student Understanding of the Wave-Like Properties of Light and Matter." University of Washington, 1999.</a>
![]() B. Ambrose, , University of Washington, 1999, WWW Document, (https://www.compadre.org/Repository/document/ServeFile.cfm?ID=4725&DocID=185).
![]() B. Ambrose, Investigation of Student Understanding of the Wave-Like Properties of Light and Matter, University of Washington, 1999, <https://www.compadre.org/Repository/document/ServeFile.cfm?ID=4725&DocID=185>.
![]() Ambrose, B. (1999, February 8). Investigation of Student Understanding of the Wave-Like Properties of Light and Matter (University of Washington, 1999). Retrieved February 8, 2025, from https://www.compadre.org/Repository/document/ServeFile.cfm?ID=4725&DocID=185
![]() Ambrose, Bradley S.. "Investigation of Student Understanding of the Wave-Like Properties of Light and Matter." University of Washington, 1999. https://www.compadre.org/Repository/document/ServeFile.cfm?ID=4725&DocID=185 (accessed 8 February 2025).
![]() Ambrose, Bradley S.. "Investigation of Student Understanding of the Wave-Like Properties of Light and Matter." 8 Feb. 1999. University of Washington, 1999. 8 Feb. 2025 <https://www.compadre.org/Repository/document/ServeFile.cfm?ID=4725&DocID=185>.
![]() @phdthesis{
Author = "Bradley S. Ambrose",
Title = {Investigation of Student Understanding of the Wave-Like Properties of Light and Matter},
School = {University of Washington},
Month = {February},
Year = {1999}
}
![]() %A Bradley S. Ambrose %T Investigation of Student Understanding of the Wave-Like Properties of Light and Matter %D February 8, 1999 %P 368 %I University of Washington %U https://www.compadre.org/Repository/document/ServeFile.cfm?ID=4725&DocID=185 %O Department of Physics %O application/pdf ![]() %0 Thesis %A Ambrose, Bradley S. %D February 8, 1999 %T Investigation of Student Understanding of the Wave-Like Properties of Light and Matter %B Department of Physics %I University of Washington %P 368 %8 February 8, 1999 %U https://www.compadre.org/Repository/document/ServeFile.cfm?ID=4725&DocID=185 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. This resource is stored in a shared folder. You must login to access shared folders. |
SupplementsContributeSimilar MaterialsStudent’s understanding of light and its properties: teaching to engender… The Understanding of the Properties of Light by Students in India Student understanding of the wave nature of matter: Diffraction and… Featured By
Quantum Exchange |