Many students think that static gas does not apply pressure

Properties of Matter

Misconception RESEARCH REVIEW

For example, students may think that gas can only exert pressure when being actively compressed and they think that pressure arises from moving fluids. This is a common misconception in the context of air in particular. 

References

  • Andersson, B., () Pupils' Conceptions of Matter and its Transformations (age 12-16), Studies in Science Education, 18, 53-85.

    This research shows that some of the misconceptions students have about matter are reinforced by the learning materials and approaches used in classrooms. Textbook illustrations can give false impressions about sizes, scales and movement and the limitations of models can give misleading ideas. This paper explains why teachers need to be aware of the misconceptions that can be produced and how to tackle some of them.

    Paper digest

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