Is the Thompson Atom Model still Useful for General Physics Teaching in Engineering Studies?
Abstract
It is studied the Thomson's model and his relation with the contents of Physical I and II, particularly with the oscillations, the Gauss's law, the concept of volumetric density of charge, and indirectly with the kinetic - molecular theory of the matter, what allows to form it with a growing complexity approach in the practical classes. There are proposed exercises and physical situations that cooperate with diverse edges of the model. Although at the present time that model has a historical value for the science, for teaching it is still useful so much for their undeniable "intrinsic" heuristic value as well as for the possibility to offer as integrated knowledge. On the base of the analysis of the literature on the topic added to the experience of the authors it is offered a methodological variant and the corresponding strategic orientations of formation that allow not to dedicate too much time to approach the Thomson’s model in Physics III - although taking advantage of the heuristic elements that it possesses - starting from the approach of “formation for stages”.
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