PERC 2013 Abstract Detail Page
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| Abstract Title: | Student ability to reason about basic quantum mechanics ideas in the context of time-dependent perturbation theory |
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| Abstract: | Recent research suggests that many students complete an undergraduate course on quantum mechanics without having developed a solid understanding of some important fundamental concepts. We are probing the ability of students to apply foundational ideas in quantum mechanics in a variety of contexts, including the complex problem of time-dependent perturbation theory. Based on student responses to lecture posttests, tutorial pretests and posttests, as well as individual student interviews, we are identifying persistent difficulties that students have in applying basic ideas about energy measurement and the time evolution of energy eigenstates and superpositions of energy eigenstates. The results are guiding the creation and revision of tutorials on topics students typically encounter the second half of their undergraduate instruction on quantum mechanics. |
| Abstract Type: | Contributed Poster Presentation |
Author/Organizer Information | |
| Primary Contact: |
Gina Passante University of Washington |
| Co-Author(s) and Co-Presenter(s) |
Paul Emigh, University of Washington Peter S. Shaffer, University of Washington |
Contributed Poster | |
| Contributed Poster: | Download the Contributed Poster |
