PERC 2021 Abstract Detail Page
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| Abstract Title: | Student difficulties identifying diagonal operators for degenerate perturbation theory |
|---|---|
| Abstract: | We discuss an investigation of student difficulties with the representation in which a Hermitian operator corresponding to a physical observable (e.g., the Hamiltonian operator corresponding to energy) is diagonal in the context of degenerate perturbation theory involving the Zeeman effect in the hydrogen atom. This investigation was carried out in advanced quantum mechanics courses by administering written free-response and multiple-choice questions and conducting individual interviews with students. We discuss the common student difficulties related to these concepts, knowledge of which can be useful for developing research-validated learning tools. |
| Abstract Type: | Contributed Poster Presentation |
| Session Time: | Poster Session 1 Room A |
| Poster Number: | 1A-22 |
Author/Organizer Information | |
| Primary Contact: |
Christof Keebaugh Franklin & Marshall College Lancaster, PA 17603 |
| Co-Author(s) and Co-Presenter(s) |
Emily Marshman, Community College of Allegheny County Chandralekha Singh, University of Pittsburgh |
