Student understanding of unit vectors and coordinate systems beyond cartesian coordinates in upper division physics courses

Abstract

In upper division physics courses students are required to work with various coordinate systems. Tis skill becomes particularly important when learning Electricity and Magnetism, where the most appropriate coordinate system will ofen depend on the geometry and symmetry of a problem. Tis study aims to identify and describe “resources” used by students when answering physics questions regarding unit vectors in non-Cartesian coordinate systems, specifcally polar coordinates . Data were collected in the form of written responses and interviews in upper division physics courses at two universities. Afer deeper analysis we identifed several resources that students use in ways that can be productive and unproductive.