THE CONCEPT OF “PHYSICAL-CONSTANTS COMPETENCE”: CONTENT, STRUCTURE, AND INDICATORS
Keywords:
physical constants, competence, dimensional analysis, SI units, order-of-magnitude estimation, modeling, measurement uncertainty, diagnostic indicators.Abstract
This article conceptualizes “physical-constants competence” as a learning outcome related to mastering fundamental constants (c, h, G, k, e, NA ). The competence is defined as a set of abilities to interpret the physical meaning of constants, connect them to SI units and dimensional analysis, estimate orders of magnitude, apply constants accurately in equations and problem solving, and account for uncertainty in experiments and modeling. The paper systematizes the competence into cognitive (knowledge), operational-practical (calculation, measurement, modeling), methodological (dimensional analysis, verification), and communicative-reflective (explanation, justification, error analysis) components. A diagnostic indicator framework is proposed, including measurable criteria such as correct interpretation of constants, unit-consistency checks, accurate application in tasks, plausibility assessment of results, and evidence-based argumentation.
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