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Investigation of Student Understanding of the Wave-Like Properties of Light and Matter
written by Bradley S. Ambrose
The research described in this dissertation is part of an ongoing investigation of student learning of the wave-like properties of light and matter. The investigation was conducted in the context of a broad range of physics courses, including courses for introductory students, advanced undergraduate majors, and graduate students. The initial emphasis was to strengthen the current research base on student understanding of physical optics. The scope of the investigation was later expanded to probe the ability of students to interpret the interference and diffraction of matter in terms of a wave model. The findings led us to extend the investigation further to include student understanding of the de Broglie wavelength and some very basic concepts in quantum mechanics. Additional difficulties in interpreting formal representations were found to cause confusion about the nature of light as an electromagnetic wave and inhibit the ability of students to predict the outcome of simple quantum mechanical measurements. The results from the investigation were used to guide the design of supplementary instructional materials that have been shown to address specific difficulties identified in the research.
University: University of Washington
Academic Department:  Department of Physics
Pages 368
Subjects Levels Resource Types
Education Foundations
- Alternative Conceptions
Education Practices
- Curriculum Development
= Course
Electricity & Magnetism
- Electromagnetic Radiation
Optics
- Geometrical Optics
Quantum Physics
- Probability, Waves, and Interference
- Upper Undergraduate
- Graduate/Professional
- Lower Undergraduate
- Reference Material
= Research study
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- application/pdf
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Access Rights:
Free access
Restriction:
© 1999 UMI Company
Keywords:
matter wave, wave diffraction, wave interference
Record Creator:
Metadata instance created November 29, 2006 by Bruce Mason
Record Updated:
November 29, 2006 by Bruce Mason
Last Update
when Cataloged:
February 8, 1999
Other Collections:

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Record Link
AIP Format
B. Ambrose, , University of Washington, 1999, WWW Document, (https://www.compadre.org/Repository/document/ServeFile.cfm?ID=4725&DocID=185).
AJP/PRST-PER
B. Ambrose, Investigation of Student Understanding of the Wave-Like Properties of Light and Matter, University of Washington, 1999, <https://www.compadre.org/Repository/document/ServeFile.cfm?ID=4725&DocID=185>.
APA Format
Ambrose, B. (1999, February 8). Investigation of Student Understanding of the Wave-Like Properties of Light and Matter (University of Washington, 1999). Retrieved November 3, 2024, from https://www.compadre.org/Repository/document/ServeFile.cfm?ID=4725&DocID=185
Chicago Format
Ambrose, Bradley S.. "Investigation of Student Understanding of the Wave-Like Properties of Light and Matter." University of Washington, 1999. https://www.compadre.org/Repository/document/ServeFile.cfm?ID=4725&DocID=185 (accessed 3 November 2024).
MLA Format
Ambrose, Bradley S.. "Investigation of Student Understanding of the Wave-Like Properties of Light and Matter." 8 Feb. 1999. University of Washington, 1999. 3 Nov. 2024 <https://www.compadre.org/Repository/document/ServeFile.cfm?ID=4725&DocID=185>.
BibTeX Export Format
@phdthesis{ Author = "Bradley S. Ambrose", Title = {Investigation of Student Understanding of the Wave-Like Properties of Light and Matter}, School = {University of Washington}, Month = {February}, Year = {1999} }
Refer Export Format

%A Bradley S. Ambrose %T Investigation of Student Understanding of the Wave-Like Properties of Light and Matter %D February 8, 1999 %P 368 %I University of Washington %U https://www.compadre.org/Repository/document/ServeFile.cfm?ID=4725&DocID=185 %O Department of Physics %O application/pdf

EndNote Export Format

%0 Thesis %A Ambrose, Bradley S. %D February 8, 1999 %T Investigation of Student Understanding of the Wave-Like Properties of Light and Matter %B Department of Physics %I University of Washington %P 368 %8 February 8, 1999 %U https://www.compadre.org/Repository/document/ServeFile.cfm?ID=4725&DocID=185


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