Some students think that for the same mass of a substance, the liquid will weigh less than the solid

Properties of Matter

Misconception RESEARCH REVIEW

They may think that all substances are denser in solid state than in liquid.

References

The following studies have documented this misconception:

  • Andersson, B., () Pupils' Conceptions of Matter and its Transformations, Studies in Science Education, 18

    53-85.

    Review sheet

RelatedMisconceptions
RESEARCH REVIEW Properties of Matter

Many students think that pressure only acts downwards

  • Number of Resources0
  • Number of References1
  • Number of Diagnostic Resources0
RESEARCH REVIEW Properties of Matter

Some students do not regard a change of state as being related to a specific temperature

  • Number of Resources1
  • Number of References1
  • Number of Diagnostic Resources6
RESEARCH REVIEW Energy and Thermal Physics

Many students attribute macroscopic properties like hot and cold, melting, or expanding to particles (or to atoms, molecules) when using a particulate model to explain thermal phenomena

  • Number of Resources1
  • Number of References1
  • Number of Diagnostic Resources6
Limit Less Campaign

Support our manifesto for change

The IOP wants to support young people to fulfil their potential by doing physics. Please sign the manifesto today so that we can show our politicians there is widespread support for improving equity and inclusion across the education sector.

Sign today