Students’ Understanding of Quantum Numbers: A Qualitative Study

Abstract

Quantum physics involves counterintuitive abstract concepts and complex mathematical procedures that are difficult to understand by physics and chemistry students at university level. This study employs case study- one of the methods of qualitative study- and it aims to determine the difficulties prospective chemistry and physics teachers encounter in understanding quantum numbers. 17 students in total were included in the study. The data were collected via a test of three open-ended questions developed by the researchers. The collected data were then analysed by using the content analysis method. It was found accordingly that both prospective chemistry teachers and prospective physics teachers had difficulties in understanding quantum numbers. The findings obtained in this study were compared with the ones obtained in similar studies and were discussed accordingly.