PERC 2015 Abstract Detail Page
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| Abstract Title: | Student Issues in Measuring with Wavelengths (and some thoughts about developing "check-your-answer" skills) |
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| Abstract: | When physics students are asked to measure the distance between two fixed locations using a pre-defined wavelength as a ruler, there is a surprising failure rate, at least partially due to the fact that the ``ruler'' to be used is not fixed in length (see ``Is a Simple Measurement Task a Roadblock to Student Understanding of Wave Phenomena?,'' by M. Kryjevskaia, M. Stetzer, and P. Heron, The Physics Teacher 51,560, (2103) and references therein). I will show some data from introductory classes (algebra- and calculus-based) that replicate this latter result, and also show some interesting features when comparing settings involving slinkies with setting involving surface waves on water. Finally, I approach the larger question of how to develop expert-like behavior such as "checking-a-plausible-answer" in novices. |
| Abstract Type: | Contributed Poster Presentation |
Author/Organizer Information | |
| Primary Contact: |
Gary White The George Washington University 725 21st St NW Room 105 Corcoran Hall Washington, DC, 20052 Phone: 2029946275 |
