Title

Details on Experimental Methods in Physics and Its Relevance in History & Teaching of Physics

Abstract Course

The Interplay between Physics and Mathematics within History of Science & Teaching Physics and/or Mathematics is a crucial aspect of science, history of science and science teaching. For example, the exponential function has large applications and it is used by many non-physicians and non-mathematicians, too. Nevertheless, some crucial and practical problems happen for its mathematical understanding. Most, this part of mathematical cognitive programmes introduce it from mathematical strictly point of view. On the contrary, since both physics experiments make a vast use of it, in this paper the exponential function will be explained starting from physical experiments and only later a mathematical modelling of it will be organized. The relationship physics-mathematics-geometry is crucial and indispensable in this kind of integrated and history & science teaching. The history and epistemology of mathematics and physics can be a significant means to make the epistemological and didactical research more profound and clear. Some experimental examples in which thermal phenomena of cooling and heating can be modelled by an exponential function would be presented, from physical and statistical analysis standpoints. This can be considered a reasonable empirical basis to claim that the exponential function is a general model for this kind of phenomena.

References

1. Bussotti P, Pisano R (2014) Newton’s Philosophiae Naturalis Principia Mathematica “Jesuit” Edition: The Tenor of a Huge Work. Accademia Nazionale Lincei-Rendiconti Matematica e Applicazioni 25: 413–444
2. Gillispie CC, Pisano R (2014) Lazare and Sadi Carnot. A Scientific and Filial Relationship. 2nd edition. Dordrecht. Springer NL
3. Pisano R (ed.) (2015) A Bridge between Conceptual Frameworks, Science, Society and Technology Studies. Dordrecht. Springer NL [forthcoming]
4. Pisano R, Bussotti P (2014a) Notes on mechanics and mathematics in Torricelli as physics mathematics relationships in the history of science. Problems of Education In The 21st Century 61/61:88–97
5. Pisano R, Bussotti P (2014b) Historical and Philosophical Reflections on the Culture of Machines around the Renaissance. How Science and Technique Work? Acta Baltica Historiae et Philosophiae Scientiarum 2/2:20-42
6. Pisano R, Bussotti P (2013) Open problems in mathematical modelling and physical experiments: exploring exponential function. Problems of education in the 21st century 50:56–69
7. Pisano R, Capecchi D (2015) Tartaglia’s science weights and Mechanics in XVI century. Selections from Quesiti et invention diverse: Books VII–VIII. Dordrecht. Springer, NL [forthcoming]
8. Pisano R, Capecchi D (2013) Conceptual and Mathematical Structures of Mechanical Science in the Western Civilization around 18th Century. Almagest 4/2:86-121
9. Pisano R (2013) On Lagrangian in Maxwell's electromagnetic theory. Scientiatum VI. História das Ciências e das Técnicas e Epistemologia. The University of Federate University of Rio de Janeiro Press, Brazil, 44-59
10. Pisano R (2010)  On Principles In Sadi Carnot’s Theory (1824). Epistemological reflections. Almagest 2/1:128–179

Contact

pisanoraffaele@iol.it | giuseppe.bellavia@univ-lille1.fr