Study on the students' misconception on friction

Authors

Alvin Karlo G. Tapia Institute of Mathematical Sciences and Physics, University of the Philippines Los Baños
Marvin U. Herrera Institute of Mathematical Sciences and Physics, University of the Philippines Los Baños

Abstract

A study that determines the misconception of students on friction was done during the summer of 2004 to the introductory physics (mechanics) class. A questionnaire was prepared to detect the misconception. Majority of the students' responses showed that they conceived coefficient of friction as directly proportional to the frictional force and inversely proportional to the normal force. They, in turn, neglect that the coefficient of friction as independent of the frictional and normal forces. Also, most of the students answered that the normal force is dependent with the frictional force and coefficient of friction. They ignored that the normal force is independent of these variable. They have trouble in determining which variable is constant, which is dependent, and which is independent. They use their knowledge of mathematical relationships in analyzing physical concepts. With these, it can be said that the students apply algorithmic rules.

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Issue

2004: Proceedings of the 22nd Samahang Pisika ng Pilipinas Physics Congress

Article ID

SPP-2004-PB-19

Section

Poster Session PB

Published

2004-10-25

How to Cite

[1]

AKG Tapia and MU Herrera, Study on the students’ misconception on friction, Proceedings of the Samahang Pisika ng Pilipinas 22, SPP-2004-PB-19 (2004). URL: https://proceedings.spp-online.org/article/view/SPP-2004-PB-19.