Models that are used to predict and explain phenomena related to molecular vibration and rotation are ubiquitous in physical chemistry, yet little work has been done to characterize student understanding and application of these models.  The results of a multi-year, multi-institutional qualitative study to investigate how students work with and apply models of molecular vibration and rotation will be described.  The findings indicate that a sizeable fraction of students 1) struggle to interpret the meaning of wavefunctions, 2) do not appropriately build potential and kinetic energy terms into models, and 3) conflate portions of various model systems.  The results will be analyzed through the lenses of a two theoretical frameworks: one for scientific modeling, and one for heuristics in the context of chemistry.  Additionally, preliminary data will be presented related to how students select and use models while engaging in problem solving in the physical chemistry context.  This data is based on student responses to a novel model rating task.

Physical chemistry students’ use of models for internal motion and selection of models based on a novel model rating task

Macromolecular Chemistry: The Second Century

[Author Benefits](https://scimeetings.acs.org/?utm_source=pubs_content_marketing&utm_medium=website&utm_campaign=0320_MCF_NPI_Launch_Spring_Homepage&ref=pubs_content_marketing)

[How to use SciMeetings](https://storage.googleapis.com/dl.morressier.com/acs/SciMeetings-ACSSpring2020-HowToGuide_M3020-Final.pdf)

[Frequently Asked Questions](https://storage.googleapis.com/dl.morressier.com/acs/SciMtng_ACSNMSp2020_FAQ_M3120_Final.pdf)

ACS Spring 2020 National Meeting & Expo

The official archive and repository for all ACS Meetings & Expositions abstracts and select posters or presentations.