The concept of entropy, from its origins to teachers
Document title: The concept of entropy, from its origins to teachers
Journal: Revista mexicana de física E
Database: PERIÓDICA
System number: 000407171
ISSN: 1870-3542
Authors: 1
2
1
Institutions: 1Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Centro de Ciencias Aplicadas y Desarrollo Tecnológico, México, Distrito Federal. México
2Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Facultad de Estudios Superiores Iztacala, Tlalnepantla, Estado de México. México
Year:
Season: Jul-Dic
Volumen: 61
Number: 2
Pages: 69-80
Country: México
Language: Inglés
Document type: Artículo
Approach: Analítico, descriptivo
English abstract Research on alternative conceptions shows that the entropy concept is among the most difficult for students to understand. Entropy is a concept with a complex history and has been the subject of diverse reconstructions and interpretations. This paper presents a brief review of the origin of the concept (Clausius and Boltzmann), a description of some influential textbooks (Planck, Fermi and Gibbs) and a comparative review on textbooks and how the concept of entropy is conceived and taught by university teachers. The results show that there is a great variety in the descriptions and meanings of entropy provided in textbooks, confusing students and teachers. A brief discussion focuses on new conceptual approaches to entropy. We conclude by suggesting how history can contribute to teachers and students' awareness about changes in the meaning of entropy and their acceptance of a more relevant commitment in their understanding of physical concepts
Disciplines: Física y astronomía,
Educación,
Historia
Keyword: Física,
Investigación educativa,
Historia de la ciencia,
Enseñanza de la física,
Entropía,
Libros de texto,
Historia de la física
Keyword: Physics and astronomy,
Education,
History,
Physics,
Educational research,
History of science,
Physics education,
Entropy,
Textbooks,
History of physics
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