PERC 2013 Abstract Detail Page
Previous Page | New Search | Browse All
| Abstract Title: | Student difficulties with trigonometric vector components persist in multiple populations |
|---|---|
| Abstract: | Students in introductory physics courses sometimes struggle to correctly break down a single vector into its components when provided only with an arrow, a magnitude, a reference angle, and a coordinate system. Students struggle further when asked to break down a vector in an inclined coordinate system, such as the weight vector of a box on an inclined plane. Varying the placement of the angle consistently affects student error and response patterns across four physics student populations: algebra-based mechanics, algebra-based E&M, calculus-based mechanics, and calculus-based E&M. This suggests that student difficulties with trigonometric vector components are persistent and pervasive, even across different introductory physics courses, and are far below the requisite near-perfect accuracy needed for such fundamental skills. Student error and response patterns are discussed for both problem types. |
| Abstract Type: | Contributed Poster Presentation |
Author/Organizer Information | |
| Primary Contact: |
Brendon D Mikula The Ohio State University 1040 Physics Research Building 191 W Woodruff Ave Columbus, OH 43210 |
| Co-Author(s) and Co-Presenter(s) |
Andrew F Heckler |
Contributed Poster | |
| Contributed Poster: | Download the Contributed Poster |
