PERC 2021 Abstract Detail Page
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| Abstract Title: | Student understanding and applications of infinity in physics and mathematics |
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| Abstract: | The concept of infinity is applied widely in various contexts in physics, particularly while implementing the limits of large quantities, such as distance, time, and mass. We are investigating how students deal with this concept when they solve problems in mathematics and physics. We report results from individual semi-structured interviews with physics students, where they are required to use the concept of infinity to solve the problems. We found that students have several difficulties with the implementation and interpretation of the concept of infinity. These difficulties are due to either insufficient understanding of the underlying mathematical concept, differences in how it is interpreted and implemented in mathematics and physics, or inappropriate implementation to physics. We also found that student difficulties stem from the fact that in mathematics infinity is used as an abstract upper bound, whereas in physics it is used to quantify scales of physical quantities. |
| Abstract Type: | Contributed Poster Presentation |
| Session Time: | Poster Session 1 Room C |
| Poster Number: | 1C-22 |
Author/Organizer Information | |
| Primary Contact: |
Rabindra Bajracharya Missouri Southern State University Joplin, MO 64870 Phone: 4176253024 |
