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[Phys-L] Physics, Errors and Differenet Teaching Styles



From: W.C. Maddox

Topic: Physics, Mistakes, Different Teaching Styles

Warning: This message may pose a quandary for fans of Mazur in particular
and PER in general but who do not like multiple choice questions. You may
wish to stop at this point.

These are being considered for use here as a "clicker question"/demo
combination (IDL). The questions below came from a book by Eric Mazur called
Peer Instruction. They came from a collection of "concept test" questions
for use in introductory physics but are variations of common textbook
questions. The three questions are variations of the same idea. Before
giving the book's answer and some experimental (demonstration) results, I
would like to get your answers.

#1 " A lead weight is fastened on top of a large solid piece of Styrofoam
that floats in a container of water. Because of the weight of the lead , the
water level is now flush with the top of the surface of the Styrofoam. If
the piece of Styrofoam is turned upside down so that the weight is now
suspended underneath it,

1. The arrangement sinks.

2. The water level is now below the top surface of the Styrofoam.

3. The water level is still flush with the top surface of the
Styrofoam."



#2 " A lead weight is fastened to a large solid piece of Styrofoam that
floats in a container of water. Because of the weight of the lead , the
water level is now flush with the top of the surface of the Styrofoam. If
the piece of Styrofoam is turned upside down so that the weight is now
suspended underneath it, the water level in the container

1) rises

2) drops

3) remains the same "



#3. "A boat carrying a large rock Is floating on a lake. The boulder is
thrown overboard and sinks. The water level in the lake (with respect to the
shore)

1) rises

2) drops

3) remains same"

End Message

PS Remember some snarks may be boojums. If you are having a really slow day
this summer you may want to try answering this non-physics question. One of
these does not fit with the others: Batt, Connolly, Daltrey, Howard, Hurt,
Lennon, Sensible, Ure, Williams. What could he have been called so that he
would fit in?