Exploring Student Ideas on Change of Basis in Quantum Mechanics

• Published in: Physical Review Physics Education Research Vol. 18; no. 1; pp. 010144 - 10157
• Main Authors: Corsiglia, Giaco, Schermerhorn, Benjamin P, Sadaghiani, Homeyra, Villaseñor, Armando, Pollock, Steven, Passante, Gina
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: College Park American Physical Society 01.06.2022
• Subjects: Change; Concept Formation; Physics; Problem Solving; Quantum Mechanics; Quantum physics; Science Instruction; Scientific Concepts; State vectors; Student Attitudes; Students; Teaching Methods; Thermal expansion; Thinking Skills; Undergraduate Students

A common task when problem solving in quantum mechanics, including in a spins-first curriculum, involves changing the basis of a given state. Our research in undergraduate quantum mechanics courses at three institutions explores student thinking about basis, basis expansion coefficients, and change...