Several misconceptions were uncovered after assessing 86 freshman general chemistry students on the concept of particle position during the reversible physical change of melting. These misconceptions included students' views that the particles did not move far from their original position in the solid upon melting, and that the particles returned to their original positions in the solid upon freezing. Animations involving particulate-level representations of melting-freezing cycles were viewed and discussed in order to address the misconceptions. After viewing the animations, the students were assessed a second time, on the concept of particle position during the reversible physical change of dissolving. Overall, the results of the assessments showed that the animations helped to address some of the misconceptions uncovered during the first assessment, although some misconceptions did remain after viewing and discussing the animations.

Students' understanding of particle position during physical changes

245th National Meeting (2013)

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