Comprehensive use of Continuity Principle and Computer Modeling in The Study of Two-Body Interaction in General Physics and Quantum Mechanics Courses

Abstract

The results of the integrated use of the principle of continuity and computer modeling in the
study of two-body interactions in the courses of mechanics (gravitational interaction),
molecular physics, optics, atomic physics, and quantum mechanics (electromagnetic effects)
from a unified perspective on different in nature physical phenomena during lecture and other
types of classes at higher educational institutions are presented. It is shown that by creating a
close connection between the principle of continuity and demonstration computer modeling
of the phenomena under study, significant success can be achieved in the assimilation of
various educational materials. An important component of the application of the principle of
educational process continuity, which is conditioned with the visual demonstration of the
studied material by means of using the achievements of modern information technologies and
the choice of appropriate effective computer programs, was shown. The proprietary system of
computer algebra Mathematica, developed by Wolfram Research, was chosen as such a
system. The resulting experience showed the advantage of general-purpose computer algebra
methods over object-oriented high-level general-purpose programming languages when
demonstrating computer experiments. It was shown that the teacher's computer literacy and
his virtuoso mastery of the techniques of using computer programs had a significant impact
on the students' attitude both to the teacher and to the material being studied. At the same
time the teacher's work should follow the principle: the study of any physical phenomenon
should be as complete as possible, however, requiring returning to it during the study of
subsequent sections on the basis of more general and universal regularities.