Teaching representation translations with magnetic field experiments

Wilson Andrew Tillotson; Timothy McCaskey; Luis Nasser

doi:10.1119/1.4972499

Teaching representation translations with magnetic field experiments

Wilson Andrew Tillotson, Timothy McCaskey, Luis Nasser

Physics

Research output: Contribution to journal › Article › peer-review

Abstract

We have developed a laboratory exercise designed to help students translate between different field representations. It starts with students qualitatively mapping field lines for various bar magnet configurations and continues with a Hall probe experiment in which students execute a series of scaffolded tasks, culminating in the prediction and measurement of the spatial variation of magnetic field components along a line near magnets. We describe the experimental tasks, various difficulties students have throughout, and ways this lab makes even their incorrect predictions better. We suggest that developing lab activities of this nature brings a new dimension to the ways students learn and interact with field concepts.

Original language	English (US)
Pages (from-to)	44-46
Number of pages	3
Journal	Physics Teacher
Volume	55
Issue number	1
DOIs	https://doi.org/10.1119/1.4972499
State	Published - Jan 2017

ASJC Scopus subject areas

Education
General Physics and Astronomy

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10.1119/1.4972499

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Teaching representation translations with magnetic field experiments

Abstract

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