The Force Concept Inventory

The Force Concept Inventory (FCI) is a standardized test designed to assess students' understanding of basic principles in physics, especially Newtonian mechanics. It presents questions that reveal how well students grasp concepts like force, motion, and acceleration, often uncovering misconceptions. Educators use the FCI to measure learning gains after instruction and to identify areas where students struggle. It emphasizes conceptual understanding rather than rote memorization, helping improve physics teaching methods and student comprehension of fundamental physical laws in a succinct, effective way.