Problem Solving and the Use of Math in Physics Courses

TL;DR

This paper explores how mathematics functions as a specialized language in physics problem solving, highlighting differences between expert and student approaches and the impact on learning.

Contribution

It identifies the distinct dialect of math in physics and examines the disconnect between student perceptions and instructor expectations.

Findings

Students often misunderstand the purpose of equations.

Experts blend physics concepts with math uniquely.

Misalignment causes learning difficulties.

Abstract

Mathematics is an essential element of physics problem solving, but experts often fail to appreciate exactly how they use it. Math may be the language of science, but math-in-physics is a distinct dialect of that language. Physicists tend to blend conceptual physics with mathematical symbolism in a way that profoundly affects the way equations are used and interpreted. Research with university physics students in classes from algebra-based introductory physics indicates that the gap between what students think they are supposed to be doing and what their instructors expect them to do can cause severe problems.