Abstract:

Assembling capacitors in series or in parallel are situations that allow us to deal efficiently with the learning of the concept of electric charge stored on their plates and the potential difference between its frames. The standard procedures for calculating the equivalent capacity in circuits with a large number of elements often cause confusion among freshmen in Science or Engineering Degree, the management of infinite capacitor networks then assumes an even greater challenge, while it is true that it is important that the students learn the traditional methods of solution it is also relevant in their scientific training that they are capable to propose alternative solutions to the problems presented to them , especially if an instructional method aimed to the solution of problems close to their daily life require cognitive abilities of higher order .

Therefore, a didactic sequence, using learning by discovery, was designed using to determine the equivalent capacity of an infinite network of identical capacitors. This sequence also considers the experimental work, the application of a method that will lead the student to the construction of a non-traditional solution to the calculation of the equivalent capacity for an infinite network and finally, the approach of an analytical solution. The proposed method involves a metacognitive process that can be transferred to other fields of study of physics.

Keywords:

University physics, higher eductaion, active learning.