PERC 2018 Abstract Detail Page
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| Abstract Title: | How Students' Understanding of Normalization Changes After Taking Quantum Mechanics |
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| Abstract: | Normalization is a particularly important concept within quantum mechanics due to the probabilistic nature of quantum systems. However, students' understanding of normalization has not been well studied in the past. In this poster, I will share insights from analyzing physics students' understanding of normalization through the use of a framework for students' understanding of mathematical norms and normalization of vectors. More specifically, I will compare and contrast students' understandings of normalization before and after taking an introductory quantum mechanics course. Through the results, I will demonstrate that a majority of physics students enter quantum mechanics with a narrow or incomplete understanding of normalization, but through learning quantum mechanics content and introduction of new notational systems (i.e., Dirac notation), these students can leave quantum mechanics with a more complete understanding of normalization and its importance to physics. |
| Abstract Type: | Contributed Poster Presentation |
| Session Time: | Poster Session II |
| Poster Number: | B91 |
Author/Organizer Information | |
| Primary Contact: |
Kevin Watson Virginia Tech 4210 Christie Lane Christiansburg, VA 24073 Phone: 8013720105 |
Contributed Poster | |
| Contributed Poster: | Download the Contributed Poster |
