PROCEEDINGS OF THE 22ND ANNUAL CONFERENCE ON RESEARCH IN UNDERGRADUATE MATHEMATICS EDUCATION
2019
Oklahoma City, Oklahoma
Student reasoning about basis and change of basis in a quantum mechanics problem
Page: 1175
In this study, we explore how quantum mechanics students understand linear algebra concepts in the context of two spin-½ probability problems, the second of which required a change of basis. In particular, our research question is: what problem solving approaches do students use, what mathematical concepts are involved in that approach, and how do students reason about basis and change of basis as they engage with the problems? Data come from individual, semi-structured interviews with twelve quantum mechanics students from two different universities. Our poster will share preliminary results for all parts of the research question.