35th Annual Student Research Conference
Exploring Physics Education through Augmented Reality Spinors
Eleanor M. Daues
Prof. Timothy Wiser, Faculty Mentor
Quantum mechanics a notoriously counter-intuitive branch of physics, especially for beginner students. There is no tangible macroscopic equivalent for an introductory spin- ½ system to present to students as an example. We developed a mobile application compatible with iOS and Android operating systems. The app uses a device's camera and augmented reality capabilities to superimpose a spinor in three-dimensional space. The spinor rotates with the device’s movement to demonstrate the unexpected properties of a 1/2-spinor, such as its behavior when spun 360 degrees. We hope that visually representing a spin-1/2 particle through augmented reality can be accessible to students through such an app.
Keywords: Augmented Reality, AR, Physics Education, Spin-1/2 Model, Classroom Tools
Topic(s):Physics
Presentation Type: Oral Presentation
Session: 307-1
Location: MG 1098
Time: 1:15