Students' use of mathematical proportionality on friction
Abstract
A study that detects and validates the students' misconception on friction was conducted during the 2nd semester of AY 2005-2006. A validity of 85% was found during the interview for coefficient of friction, 90% for normal force and 100% for frictional force. 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, 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 variables. They have trouble in determining which variable is constant, which is dependent, and which is independent. They use their knowledge of mathematical proportionality in analyzing physical concepts.