Re: Physics Test and Integration

[Rick Tarara <rtarara@SAINTMARYS.EDU>]

Working it 'down to the integral' will usually be sufficient to cover the
important Physics.  I take this approach on tests.  For homework, let them
do the integral (actually look them up in the CRC or similar tables of
integrals).  The problem, which you will find, is that the students don't
know what an integral is, nor what it is good for, other than (perhaps) to
parrot back 'to find the area under the curve'.  For example, the concept
that the integral can be used to sum the forces, fields, potentials from
continuous charge distributions is very difficult, even for students with 2
or 3 semesters of college calculus experience.  You don't have to teach HOW
to do an integral, but you need to be prepared to teach HOW to set up an
integral for a physical situation!

Rick

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Richard W. Tarara
Professor of Physics
Saint Mary's College
Notre Dame, IN 46556
rtarara@saintmarys.edu

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----- Original Message -----
From: "Tina Fanetti" <FanettT@QUEST.WITCC.CC.IA.US>
To: <PHYS-L@lists.nau.edu>
Sent: Thursday, January 31, 2002 9:15 AM
Subject: Physics Test and Integration


> Hi all
> I was wondering.  I am teaching calc-based intro physics.  Most of the
students are in Calc 2.  So they don't know much integration besides the
basics.
> When you give them tests in electricity and magnetism, how do you handle
the integration?  Do you give them the integrals they need, do you "fix" the
problems so the integration is basic or do you just tell them to work the
problem down to the integral and leave it in integral form.
> I am worried that 1) they will panic, 2) they will miss a method and make
the integral harder, 3) I'll screw up and give them a harder problem that
requires more integration than they know...
> I was curious as to how other handle this.
>
> Clear Skies
> Tina
>
> Tina Fanetti
> Physics Instructor
> Western Iowa Technical Community College
> 4647 Stone Ave
> Sioux City IA 51102
> 712-274-8733 ext 1429