The Electronic Structure of the Atom: (Mis)Interpretations of Quantum Concepts by Brazilian University Chemistry Students

Abstract

Students' understanding of the electronic structure of the atom has been investigated by many authors. This study outlines students' conceptual and representational understanding of quantum concepts explored in lower and upper level chemistry courses, in three different chemistry majors, identifying learning obstacles and monitoring student development. Structured questionnaires were applied at the beginning and end of the semester, aiming to assess student learning related to the interpretation of the electronic structure of the atom through quantum chemistry concepts. Students in upper-level courses achieved better averages than students in lower-level courses. Generally, students showed better understanding of the topics through a representational rather than a conceptual approach. The number of students able to conceive a mental model of the atom based on quantum concepts increased by the end of the semester. However, the number of students who imagined the atom according to the Bohr model, invoking both classical and quantum ideas, remained the same, suggesting no meaningful learning occurred.

ChemisTree: A Novel, Interactive Chemistry Game to Teach Students about Electron Configuration

“…1 Despite its importance, students may struggle with mastering electron configuration, which can lead to further difficulties with more advanced concepts in future coursework. 2 Game-based learning has been widely employed as a strategy to facilitate student understanding of challenging concepts in a variety of science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) courses. 3−5 It provides students with opportunities to work with their peers and actively engage with the material beyond the traditional lecture, which can lead to increases in student motivation, interest in the subject, and student performance.…”

“…It provides students with information that can be connected to other key concepts such as atomic structure, bonding, and reactivity . Despite its importance, students may struggle with mastering electron configuration, which can lead to further difficulties with more advanced concepts in future coursework …”

Undergraduate Independent Study Project: Theoretical vs Computational Approaches to Calculate the Electronic Structure of the D5h symmetric Pentafluoroxenate(IV) Anion

“…The difficult activity proposed in our article aims to enhance student comprehension of molecular orbital theory as previously published articles have stated to assess or explain. ,− This article and the Student Supporting Information (SI) should be provided to the student, while the Instructor SI contains the answer key and completed tables. The Student SI contains instructions for the independent-study student that start with the Schrödinger Equation and explain how the electronic structure is assessed via group theory and computationally. − By starting with the Schrödinger Equation, the student does not need to consult multiple texts to begin working on the exercise while still appreciating the context of first principles . The instructor (or student) can use the SI to check their data against ours, as well as the Lewis Dot Structure, the relevance of setting specific x, y, z, axes, and a three-dimensional rendering of the optimized structure of [XeF 5 ] − .…”