Images of Young's experiment in university textbooks

Authors

  • Norah Giacosa
  • Claudia Zang
  • Alejandro Such
  • Ramiro Galeano
  • Jorge Maidana

Keywords:

Images; Young's experiment; Textbooks; Physics; University

Abstract

Results from a descriptive multiple-cases study are presented. All images relating to Young's experiment in ten university text-books were analyzed. The results indicate that the images are mostly used to define and describe, using diagrams and photos. All images are text-related, most are colourful and contain verbal labels. The use of a sine wave model prevails over the use of a phasor diagram. A low percentage of images contain ambiguities that mix elements of geometric optics with wave optics. It is concluded that some complex images are not self-evident or transparent, so it is essential to guide the students in the process of interpretation to guarantee their understanding.

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Published

2020-11-18

Issue

Section

Trabajos presentados a SIEF

How to Cite

Images of Young’s experiment in university textbooks. (2020). Journal of Physics Teaching, 32, 153-162. https://revistas.psi.unc.edu.ar/index.php/revistaEF/article/view/30988