Student Understanding of Taylor Series Expansions in Statistical Mechanics

Details Student Understanding of Taylor Series Expansions in Statistical Mechanics Student Understanding of Taylor Series Expansions in Statistical Mechanics

2011-12-19

arxiv.org/abs/1112.4231v2

Physics

Physics Education

13 pages, 2 figures

Scientific paper

One goal of physics instruction is to have students learn to make physical meaning of specific mathematical ideas, concepts, and procedures in different physical settings. As part of research investigating student learning in statistical physics, we are developing curriculum materials that guide students through a derivation of the Boltzmann factor, using a Taylor series expansion of entropy. Using results from written surveys, classroom observations, and both individual think-aloud and teaching interviews, we present evidence that many students can recognize and interpret series expansions, but they often lack fluency with the Taylor series despite previous exposures in both calculus and physics courses. We present students' successes and failures both using and interpreting Taylor series expansions in a variety of contexts.

Affiliated with

Also associated with

No associations

Rating

Student Understanding of Taylor Series Expansions in Statistical Mechanics does not yet have a rating. At this time, there are no reviews or comments for this scientific paper.

If you have personal experience with Student Understanding of Taylor Series Expansions in Statistical Mechanics, we encourage you to share that experience with our LandOfFree.com community. Your opinion is very important and Student Understanding of Taylor Series Expansions in Statistical Mechanics will most certainly appreciate the feedback.

Rate now

Comments { 0 }

Profile ID: LFWR-SCP-O-210086