Visualization in Physics, How Makes Learning Easy?

Last updated on Monday, October 3rd, 2022

Learning and visualization of physical concepts is a step-by-step process, no shortcuts, no skipping, no tricks, in this process are helpful.

Visualization Importance in Learning

It has been observed in experiences that students face problems in visualization (understanding) the advanced sciences when they study and read it in detail with mathematics. The reasons may be many, but lacking connectivity with the fundamental physical concepts is important, which plays the role. In lower classes, students start their learning by reading the definitions, laws, etc., and related formulas, if there are any into the concerned topic.

Here, they also learn about the relevant physical picture(s) of a standard law or concept too. So, the development of physical picture(s) of a concept (Definitions, Laws, etc.) is the main key in lower classes and then after mathematical formula.

Mathematics Role

As the students succeeded in higher class they also study maths and learn tricks to solve its problems but rarely do they learn to visualize, the role of mathematics in general life; which means day-to-day problems or physical concepts on which they are based. They see mathematics just in the form of some symbols and equations from the beginning and don’t focus on its physical origin and applications in daily life. A major problem from my perspective. In this learning process and to get higher education students choose a specific course/subject/degree of science (s) for various life purposes. READ ALSO: Why Sabine Hossenfelder Says Particle Physicists Wasting Time and Money? Some students remain aware of the learning of lower classes’ physical concepts, pictures, and mathematical formulae, while some forget with the passage of time. No problem at this point, it is a natural phenomenon with individual memory. This is not a problem because when they read, listen and watch about it, again they get the related required information.

Visualization by Supporting Physical Concepts (SPCs)

At the stage of higher classes, when students read the subject (s) in detail with all relevant information, mathematics helps to explain the physical pictures of different stages, especially in the Physics course. In the theoretical development of any particular topic(s), we assume many points and take parametric help to get the required result. No advanced topic(s) [advance topic means, proper details of a physical phenomenon] can be derived without the help of one or many supporting physical concepts (SPCs), if these SPCs are clear to the student, he/she will not face any problem to understand that topic. Also, he/she can use it in many applications or can develop other applications (s) for the betterment of people’s life. If SPCs are not clear then obviously he/she will face problems.

What are Supporting Physical Concepts (SPCs)?

The SPCs are those independent small physical concepts that are helpful not only in mathematical derivations but for the understanding of the topics too. In the case of Susceptibility, the following are the Supporting Physical Concepts (SPCs),

1. Atomic Dipole and its Magnetic Moment Concept
2. Magnetization
3. Types of Magnetic Materials
4. Working of Electromagnet
5. Unit system (SI or CGS)
6. Magnetic field and Magnetic Field Intensity Concepts
7. Nature of the Force on magnetic material (here liquid) in the presence of an external magnetic field

If you have answers to these supporting physical concepts (SPCs) then you can explain anything related to the susceptibility but mathematical derivation differentiation, integration, and limits also play a role. So that knowledge is also a must. (A) In Hall Effect, the following are the Supporting Physical Concepts (SPCs);

1. Lorentz’s Force

2. Flemming’s Left-Hand Rule

3. The basic idea of Electric Field and Magnetic Field

4. Properties, Type & Characteristics of Semiconductor Material

(B) In LASER understanding, the following are the Supporting Physical Concepts (SPCs);

1. Basic Atomic Structure, Orbital and Shells idea

2. Energy levels and their Lifetime

3. Electronic Transition and Their result in terms of Photon Emission

(C) In Electrodynamics, the SPCs are four basic laws in integrals and differential forms known as Maxwell’s Equations.

1. Gauss’s Law in Electrostatics

2. Gauss’s Law in Magnetism

3. Faraday’s Law

4. Ampere’s Law

Conclusion

Here, I have told only about the Physics Supporting Physical Concepts (SPCs) for some topics. Similarly one can see this in other sciences too. Also, there is no limitation on the number to add and remove the SPCs as mentioned above for a particular topic. But in general 4-6 SPCs we observe for any topic for the visualization. This is just an observation to make the topic more clear and understandable to the students. Also, students learn the connectivity of the physical concept which further helps them to build their analysis ability. But a question arises here in my mind, do the students are aware enough to find the SPCs themselves for any particular topic? The answer is most probably no, I think, in the primary stage of the subject it’s a little difficult to know the students which SPCs are useful for the topic. So a teacher can help, and guide here to find the relevant SPCs before delivering the lecture(s) in the classroom.

NOTE: These are my personal and experienced based views that may vary for other subject-specific experts. I found recently it very useful and supportive in the learning of the students.

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