Many students associate ‘energy’ with humans and other living things

Energy and Thermal Physics

Misconception RESEARCH REVIEW

They think of energy as something that is needed for life and for activity.

Resources to Address This

  • Words used to describe energy (11-16)

    The topic of energy needs to be visited many times with a gradual increase in the depth of teaching. As there is no convenient definition of energy for beginners, the concept needs to develop slowly. It benefits from a spiral approach to teaching.

    View Resource

References

RelatedMisconceptions
RESEARCH REVIEW Energy and Thermal Physics

Many students believe that insulation materials vary depending on whether they are used to slow down temperature increases or decreases

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RESEARCH REVIEW Energy and Thermal Physics

Few students use ideas about energy and energy conservation and are more likely to use ideas like speed or force

  • Number of Resources1
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  • Number of Diagnostic Resources4
RESEARCH REVIEW Energy and Thermal Physics

Many students are unable to distinguish clearly between momentum and kinetic energy and to recognize which is conserved in specific situations

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