PERC 2019 Abstract Detail Page
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| Abstract Title: | Student use of Quantum Notations – Dirac Notation as a Template |
|---|---|
| Abstract: | Quantum mechanics (QM) utilizes several notations to represent quantum systems, such as Dirac notation, matrices, and wave functions. Previous work by Gire and Price found evidence of students using Dirac notation as a template for working with other notations. We expand on this work to see if and how students use Dirac notation as a template to guide their work in several different contexts. We analyzed written data from upper-division QM about normalization, probabilities, and expectation values on various assessments. Use of Dirac notation as a template varied depending on the notation the state was written in and/or which procedure was being asked. It is possible that students are fluent in the three different notations, and that normalization and calculating probabilities are procedures for which students do not require a template. We plan to investigate this possibility and students' representational fluency in QM in the future. |
| Abstract Type: | Contributed Poster Presentation |
| Session Time: | Poster Session III |
| Poster Number: | C53 |
Author/Organizer Information | |
| Primary Contact: |
Anthony Arruda California State University, Fullerton 800 N State College Blvd Fullerton, CA 92831 Phone: 5624577563 |
| Co-Author(s) and Co-Presenter(s) |
Gina Passante California State University, Fullerton |
