Using Gravitational Analogies to Introduce Elementary Electrical Field Theory Concepts
Abstract
Since electrical field concepts are usually unfamiliar, abstract, and difficult to visualize, conceptual analogies from familiar gravitational phenomena are valuable for teaching. Such analogies emphasize the underlying continuity of field concepts in physics and support the spiral development of student understanding. We find the following four tables to be helpful in reviewing gravitational and electrical comparisons after students have worked through hands-on activities analyzed via extended student discourse.
- Publication:
-
The Physics Teacher
- Pub Date:
- February 2007
- DOI:
- Bibcode:
- 2007PhTea..45..104S
- Keywords:
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- 01.40.gb;
- 01.55.+b;
- 41.90.+e;
- Teaching methods and strategies;
- General physics;
- Other topics in electromagnetism;
- electron and ion optics