Student & textbook presentation of divergence

Graduation date: 2015This thesis explores student understanding of divergence in physics settings. The various uses of divergence in physics are detailed. Textbook approaches to divergence are categorized as geometric, curvilinear coordinate, discussion-based, and algebraic statement. Textbook approaches to the divergence theorem are categorized as geometric, equivalent integrals, mathematical statement with explanation, and mathematical statement without explanation. A preliminary framework for analyzing student understanding of divergence is developed following the framework of Zandieh. Student homework responses are analyzed using this framework. Directions of future studies using the proposed framework are discussed