Abstract

SANMARTIN, Beatriz; SOLAZ-PORTOLES, Joan J.  and  SANJOSE, Vicent. An approach to pre-university and university students' conceptions about galvanic cells. Educ. quím [online]. 2014, vol.25, n.2, pp.139-147. ISSN 0187-893X.

In this study we investigated alternative conceptions about galvanic cells and interpretations of the process occurring in a voltaic cell. It was conducted with fifty-five 12^th grade high school students and forty-three first-year university chemistry students. Comparative analysis of the results obtained by means of a test and an open question reveals that: a) Many high school and university students hold misconceptions about galvanic cells; b) There is no significant difference in misconceptions and interpretations between the two groups of students, and c) Few students can correctly explain how a voltaic cell works. Finally, the implications of these results are discussed.

Keywords : misconceptions; galvanic cells; students' interpretations; voltaic cell; comparative analysis.

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