Vector fields are a highly abstract physical concept that is often taught using visualizations. Although vector representations are particularly suitable for visualizing quantitative data, they are often confusing, especially when describing real fields such as magnetic and electric fields, as the vector arrows can overlap. The present study…

An alternative way of introducing magnetism at all levels of education is proposed. It is stressed that magnetism can be introduced through the interaction between current-carrying conductors giving the students, at the same time, the possibility to measure the magnetic permeability [mu][subscript o]. Focusing on currents instead of permanent…

In this work, we made a simple electronic tool called a 'magnetic polarity detector' which can determine the magnetic poles of permanent magnets or electromagnets. We used it in some student experiments in the physics laboratory. For example, determining the magnetic poles of permanent magnets and a current-carrying coils or electromagnets.…

Many of the old demonstrations in electricity and magnetism can be performed more effectively and with greater visual appeal by using newly available neodymium magnets and color LEDs. For this reason several demonstrations, commonly used for teaching electromagnetic induction and Lenz's law, have received renewed attention in recent years. In…

Electromagnetic radiation can be classified into two major types depending on its ability to detach electrons from atoms: ionising and non-ionising. The aforementioned categorization is significant due to the effects of ionising radiation on human tissue (e.g. carcinogenesis). However, many students around the globe cannot distinguish these two…

Identifying students' difficulties in understanding Gauss's and Ampere's laws is important for developing educational strategies that promote an expertlike understanding of the field concept and Maxwell's equations of electromagnetic phenomena. This study aims to analyze and compare students' understanding of symmetry when applying Gauss's and…

The study aimed to examine the influence of ChatGPT on the academic performance and learning perception of eleventh-grade students in a United Arab Emirates school in the field of electronic magnetism. The participants were randomly divided into two groups: an experimental group granted access to ChatGPT and a control group without access to…

This study investigates the effects of smart classrooms, comprehensive assessment management information systems, and remediation teaching techniques on teachers 'and student's conceptual understanding of physics. The participants included 67 students from Senior One, Senior Two, and Senior Three, purposively sampled from G.S Mushongi in Kirehe…

Magnets are familiar objects and yet magnetism as a concept remains challenging. A casual search of YouTube for magnets reveals a staggering number of videos, interesting demos involving electric and permanent magnets, and entire channels devoted to various uses for magnets. It is far more difficult to find descriptions that can help students…

We conducted a study with introductory and upper-division level physics students in a Mexican and a Spanish university to learn how students recognize the main characteristics of the electric field in three of its more widely used representations, namely, algebraic notation, vector field plot, and electric field lines, and how the students do…

In an effort to examine students' understanding about the structure of boundary conditions in upper-division courses, think-aloud interviews were conducted in the context of both quantum mechanics and electricity and magnetism. In the quantum mechanics task, students were presented with a standard potential step scenario. In the electricity and…

The Conceptual Survey of Electricity and Magnetism (CSEM) is a multiple-choice survey that contains a variety of electricity and magnetism concepts from Coulomb's law to Faraday's law at the level of introductory physics used to help inform instructors of student mastery of those concepts. Prior studies suggest that many concepts on the survey are…

We present an analysis of students' thinking skills as evidenced by free-response exam problems during the COVID-19 pandemic. We compare two inquiry-based, laboratory-based classical mechanics courses, one taught online and one taught in person during the pandemic, and two inquiry-based, laboratory-based electricity and magnetism courses, one…

Electrostatic potential energy is a topic of great difficulty for many students. In this paper, we empirically test the utility of two approaches for laying a foundation for developing an understanding of energy in an electrostatic context, with interdisciplinary relevance. We examine student responses to a question about how the potential energy…

The Conceptual Survey of Electricity and Magnetism (CSEM) is a widely used multiple-choice instrument measuring a student's conceptual understanding of electricity and magnetism. This study applied modified module analysis (MMA) and modified module analysis-partial (MMA-P), network analytic methods that identify groups of correlated responses, to…