Living Physics Portal: Functional dependence

Abstract: One of the most important ideas IPLS students need to learn is that equations are not just calculational tools; they represent relationships between physical variables that change together (co-vary)—their functional dependence. Understanding this sort of relationship is rarely
emphasized in introductory mathematics classes, and students who have not yet learned to blend conceptual ideas with mathematical symbols may not see the relevance and power of this idea. This unit offers a collection of readings, activities, and problems that can help students learn to use functional dependence productively.

Resource Types: Homework, Restricted access, Instructor supplement

Commercially available in:

ExpertTA

Authors:

Edward Redish (he/him)

University of Maryland, College Park

NEXUS Physics

Living Physics Portal Team

TOPICS

Physics Topics:

Electricity & Magnetism > Electric Fields and Potential > Electric Field

Electricity & Magnetism > Electrostatics > General, Coulomb's Law

Fluid Mechanics > Dynamics of Fluids > Equation of Continuity, Flow Rate, Hagen-Poiseuille Equation, Viscosity

Fluid Mechanics > Surface Tension > Capillary Action, Force of Surface Tension

Optics > Color

Optics > Geometrical Optics > Thin Lens

Oscillations & Waves > Oscillations

Oscillations & Waves > Wave Motion > Transverse Pulses and Waves, Wave Packets

Thermo & Stat Mech > Kinetic and Diffusive Processes > Diffusion

3 MORE

Life Sciences Topics:

Cross-cutting Biological Concepts > Causal Mechanisms > Physical Mechanisms

Cross-cutting Biological Concepts > Chemical Info: Processing & Transport > Signaling Molecules

Cross-cutting Biological Concepts > Evolution

Cross-cutting Biological Concepts > Neural Info: Processing & Transport > Synapse Structure/Function

Cross-cutting Biological Concepts > Structure/Function Relationships > Surface Area/volume

Cross-cutting Biological Concepts > The Cell > Cellular Structure, Intracellular Components

Human and Animal Physiology > Cardiovascular System

Medical Applications

2 MORE

Chemistry Topics:

Intermolecular Forces

Macromolecules > Proteins

Math Topics:

Algebra; Exponentials and Logarithms; Geometry; Graphical Analysis; Probability

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Using math in physics - Functional dependence > Functional dependence - Problems with solutions

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License: CC BY-NC-SA - Attribution, No Commercial uses and Share Alike. Derivative works must have the same license.

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