PERC 2018 Abstract Detail Page
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Abstract Title: | Helping students learn to count the number of many-particle states with a fixed number of single-particle states for a system of identical p |
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Abstract: | We discuss an investigation of student difficulties with counting the number of distinct many-particle stationary states for a system of non-interacting identical particles for the case in which the energy of the system is not constant but there are a fixed number of available single-particle states for the particles. The investigation was carried out in advanced quantum mechanics courses by administering free-response and multiple-choice questions and conducting individual interviews with students. We discuss the common student difficulties related to these concepts. These findings are being used as a guide for creating learning tools to help students develop a functional understanding of concepts involving counting the number of distinct many-particle stationary states for a system of non-interacting identical particles. We thank the NSF for funding. |
Abstract Type: | Contributed Poster Presentation |
Session Time: | Poster Session II |
Poster Number: | B44 |
Contributed Paper Record: | Contributed Paper Information |
Contributed Paper Download: | Download Contributed Paper |
Author/Organizer Information | |
Primary Contact: |
Christof Keebaugh University of Pittsburgh 3941 O'Hara St Pittsburgh, PA 15260 |
Co-Author(s) and Co-Presenter(s) |
Emily Marshman, University of Pittsburgh Chandralekha Singh, University of Pittsburgh |