Comparison of Problem Solving Between the Use of Columb’s Law and Gauss Law for the Determination of the Electric Field

Abstract

Problems are an essential part of human life, and problem-solving strategies have been shown to improve students’ critical thinking skills. This study aimed to describe students’ understanding of Coulomb’s law and Gauss’s law through problem-solving tasks in determining electric fields. The research was conducted during the odd semester of 2021 at Tadulako University using a qualitative descriptive approach. Six students were selected as respondents based on the Respondent Selection Test (RST), representing three ability levels: moderate, low, and very low, with two students in each category. Data were collected using essay-based problem-solving tests consisting of five questions and supporting instruments. Data credibility was ensured through credibility testing, and the results were analyzed descriptively. The findings showed clear differences in students’ problem-solving performance across the three ability levels. Most students were more familiar with applying Coulomb’s law than Gauss’s law when solving electric field problems. Students also experienced considerable difficulty determining the electric field produced by an infinitely long wire. The study concludes that while Coulomb’s law is more commonly understood, Gauss’s law serves as an effective alternative for determining electric fields, particularly in situations involving symmetrical charge distributions and homogeneous spatial geometries.