Many students who do recognise that forces arise in pairs think that the two forces in a pair may differ in size
Misconception
For instance, students may think that a larger object exerts a bigger force on a smaller object than vice versa.
Resources to Address This
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Describing interactions (14-16)
This resource provides a discussion framework for analysing interactions between objects.
View Resource -
Forces exerted by distorted solids (5-11)
This resource highlights how compression and tension forces create a balanced situation.
View Resource
References
The following studies have documented this misconception:
- Gunstone, R. F. and White, R. T. () Understanding of Gravity. Science Education, 65 (3), 291-299.
This study presented a sample of first-year physics undergraduates at an Australian university with eight physical situations. The students were asked to predict what would happen if a specific action was taken. The action was then taken, and the subjects were asked to explain any discrepancies between their prediction and the result.
- Brown, D. and Clement, J. () "Classroom Teaching Experiments in Mechanics" in R. Duit, F. Goldberg, & H. Niedderer (Eds.), Research in physics learning - theoretical issues and empirical studies. San Diego State University, San Diego, CA, 380-397.
