Friction is one of the fundamental concepts in mechanics. Proper understanding of that notion is crucial for any engineer, as friction force is common in engineering practice. However, engineering students have varying misconceptions about even such simple concepts as sliding friction, i.e. a phenomenon when one surface is sliding on another, and that the resistance to such motion results in dissipation of energy. Proper understanding of friction as a concept and its application is therefore of uttermost importance for engineering students, and consequently for graduates who become practicing engineers. The motivation of this study is to reveal what basic knowledge and misconceptions students have about friction. However, it goes further in an attempt to draw conclusions, which would help to create better learning material, sequence in the teaching processes and generally improve students understanding of the concept. The study uses a structured survey to assess year 2 students at the Faculty of Engineering and Technology of the University of Botswana, undertaking a course on Dynamics of Particles.

Projects

Currently no objects available

Currently no objects available