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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
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