Open AccessLearning to use Cartesian coordinate systems to solve physics problems: the case of ‘movability’
Author(s) -
Trevor Volkwyn,
Bor Gregorcic,
John Airey,
Cedric Linder
Publication year - 2020
Publication title -
european journal of physics
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.421
H-Index - 51
eISSN - 1361-6404
pISSN - 0143-0807
DOI - 10.1088/1361-6404/ab8b54
Subject(s) - cartesian coordinate system , physics , coordinate system , set (abstract data type) , task (project management) , field (mathematics) , constant (computer programming) , ellipsoidal coordinates , magnetometer , theoretical physics , orientation (vector space) , magnetic field , artificial intelligence , geometry , pure mathematics , cylindrical coordinate system , computer science , systems engineering , mechanics , quantum mechanics , mathematics , engineering , programming language
In this paper, we show that introductory physics students may initially conceptualise Cartesian coordinate systems as being fixed in a standard orientation. Giving consideration to the role that experiences of variation play in learning, we also present an example of how this learning challenge can be effectively addressed. Using a fine-grained analytical description, we show how students can quickly come to appreciate coordinate system movability. This was done by engaging students in a conceptual learning task that involved them working with a movable magnetometer with a printed-on set of coordinate axes to determine the direction of a constant field (Earth’s magnetic field).