Journal of Research and Science Teaching
By Alan K. Griffins and Kirk R. Preston
“Grade-12 students’ misconceptions relating to fundamental characteristics at atoms and molecules”
Publisher:
volume 29, issue 6
Pp. 611-628
1992
Grade-12 students’ misconceptions relating to fundamental characteristics at atoms and molecules
Type: Empirical
Data collection method: Survey
Number of subjects, range: Medium — 11-30
Grade and age of subjects: 9th-12 grade — under 17-18 years
- A water molecule resembles a closed figure with no definite shape.
- A water molecule is spherical with particles spread throughout.
- Water molecules are composed of two or more solid spheres.
- Water molecules contain more than three atoms.
- Water molecules contain less than three atoms.
- Water molecules contain different numbers of atoms.
- Water molecule contains components other than oxygen.
- Water molecule are not all composed of the same atoms.
- A water molecule is ‘macro’ in size.
- A water molecule Is the smallest Indivisible entity.
- Water molecules within a phase may have different sizes.
- Water molecules from the solid phase (ice) are the largest.
- Water molecules from the solid phase (Ice) are the smallest.
- Water molecules from the gaseous phase (steam) are the smallest.
- Water molecules from the gaseous phase (steam) are the largest.
- The size of a water molecule depends on its temperature.
- Water molecules from the solid phase (Ice) are the heaviest.
- Water molecules from the gaseous phase (steam) are the lightest.
- The size of a water molecule affects its weight.
- A water molecule Is heavy enough to be physically weighed.
- Water molecules within a phase may weight differently.
- Water molecules are held together by something external to the molecules.
- Heat causes molecules to expand leading to separation of molecules during melting.
- Water molecules in ice touch each other continuously leaving no space.
- Water molecules in ice are not bonded in any pattern.