Presentation of Quantum Numbers topic in general chemistry textbooks: An analysis of history and philosophy of science perspective

In this study, the issue of ?Quantum Numbers? in genaral chemistry textbooks used in Turkey and 10th grade in high school chemistry textboook are investigated in terms of history and philosopy of sience. In addition the issue of ?Quantum Numbers? that are delivered in native (Turkish) general chemistry textbooks and in foreign general chemistry textbooks are compared in terms of the history and philosphy of science criteria. In this study, the criteria are used that are determined by Niaz and Fernandez (2007). These are: 1-Origin of the quantum hypothesis; 2- Alternative interpretations of quantum mechanics; 3- Differentiation between an orbital and electron density; 4-Differentiation and comparison between classical and auantum mechanics; 5- Introduction of quantum numbers based on electron density. In the study, the subject of the history of science and philosophy of quantum numbers in chemistry textbooks are assessed dimensions subjected to content analysis. 8 textbooks selected randomly from the textbooks investigated according to these criteria independently by researcher and expert. And by considering the compliance with independent inter-observer reliability of the study is provided. The remaining 22 textbooks are examined by the researcher. In the light of the findings of the study, 10th grade chemistry textbook in high schools, native general chemistry textbooks and the translation of general chemistry textbooks are found to be insufficient delivering dimensions of history and philosophy of the quantum numbers. Moreover it can be said that native general textbooks stayed behind foreign general chemistry textbooks about presenting the dimensions of quantum numbers together with its science history and philosophy. Keywords: History of Science, Philosophy of Science, Chemistry Textbook, Quantum Numbers