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Re: [Phys-L] Energy Concept Inventory



Brian,

I don't disagree with anything you said. But once again, this begs the question of what is being tested --

In your reply you use phrases like:
* "one can reasonably assume"
* "implies that it is reasonably edible"
* "referring to the physicist's conception of "

The test requires knowledge of physics AND biology AND chemistry AND "a physicist's conception" of various idealizations. Why say "ice" if they truly mean "frictionless"? (Whereas the FCI tends to specifically say things like "ignore air resistance).

This would NOT be a typical test after a physics class. It could be a good test after a specific class dealing with energy, but how many such classes are there across the country? It is one thing to come up with a FCI, since (approximately) every university teaches Newton's Laws in similar "Physics 101" classes. This test is for a much more specialized course.