tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4130463693430089737.post6335617412807417152..comments2024-03-28T12:56:24.045-07:00Comments on A corner of France: No chance!Mark In Mayennehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14987723233401368368noreply@blogger.comBlogger7125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4130463693430089737.post-69196176125281934302013-04-30T06:42:09.409-07:002013-04-30T06:42:09.409-07:00(The uncertainty in the position of the pointer me...(The uncertainty in the position of the pointer means that we can only say that it lies within an interval, so our calculations yield a non-zero probability) Mark In Mayennehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/14987723233401368368noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4130463693430089737.post-88292342356484937032013-04-30T00:16:44.886-07:002013-04-30T00:16:44.886-07:00Hi James, the problems arise when we try to transl...Hi James, the problems arise when we try to translate perfect mathematical models into physical reality. My discussion blithely assumes that it is possible to generate a random number between 0 and 1 with arbitrary precision.<br /><br />In the physical example using the pointer, I am assuming, apart from the concept of a perfect pivot, that when the pointer stops, we know exactly where it is. Heisenberg tells us that we can't know its momentum and position both at the same time, so there is always going to be some uncertainty as to its position.<br /><br />I suspect that, outside of mathematical perfection, probability is quantised, and therefore, when the physical probability is zero, things truly never happen, and otherwise there is a minimum, infinitesimal probability that they do happen.<br /><br />I find it interesting that a simple fairground example can lead us so easily into this kind of deep physical problem.Mark In Mayennehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/14987723233401368368noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4130463693430089737.post-91924926003490653042013-04-29T22:52:27.409-07:002013-04-29T22:52:27.409-07:00Things happen that have no chance of happening. W...Things happen that have no chance of happening. Which is why predicting the future is a dodgy business.<br /><br />Or an infinitesimal chance?James Highamhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/14525082702330365464noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4130463693430089737.post-14369487136206370612013-04-29T07:41:15.328-07:002013-04-29T07:41:15.328-07:00Thanks, Helen! I have never been to a race track ...Thanks, Helen! I have never been to a race track to bet, though I have shouted at televisions during the Grand National.Mark In Mayennehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/14987723233401368368noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4130463693430089737.post-43630089200421348682013-04-29T07:39:23.046-07:002013-04-29T07:39:23.046-07:00That was a super explanation which did not make my...That was a super explanation which did not make my brain hurt.<br />And I've never bought a lottery ticket - but used to back the geegees.Helen Devrieshttp://asurfeitofpalfreys.wordpress.com/noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4130463693430089737.post-14680760828087245722013-04-29T07:37:12.773-07:002013-04-29T07:37:12.773-07:00You're right of course, Steve. Despite the lo...You're right of course, Steve. Despite the logic of the situation, I buy a lottery ticket from time to time. It's clear that what I'm buying is the right to imagine what I'd do with the prize money.<br /><br />But it also serves as a warning: if I buy a ticket too often, I should look at what I need to fix in my life.Mark In Mayennehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/14987723233401368368noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4130463693430089737.post-21267772336555224912013-04-28T13:28:01.248-07:002013-04-28T13:28:01.248-07:00And yet I still buy a lottery ticket. I think I en...And yet I still buy a lottery ticket. I think I enjoy the hope... no matter how fleeting rather than probability (no matter how infinitesimal).Stevehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/02133900289384226725noreply@blogger.com