Related papers: Bertrand's paradox: a physical solution
In this paper we report on an experimental test of Bertrand's question on the probability to find a random chord drawn inside a unit-radius circle with length greater than $\sqrt{3}$. In an experiment performed by tossing straws onto a…
Bertrand's paradox is a famous problem of probability theory, pointing to a possible inconsistency in Laplace's principle of insufficient reason. In this article we show that Bertrand's paradox contains two different problems: an "easy"…
We investigate Bertrand's probabilistic paradox through the lens of discrete geometry and old-fashioned but reliable discrete probability. We approximate the plane unit circle with $1/n$ times $1/n$ boxes and count the pairs of boxes…
This note is mainly to point out, if needed, that uncertainty about models and their parameters has little to do with a `paradox'. The proposed `solution' is to formulate practical questions instead of seeking refuge into abstract…
Where are the intersection points of diagonals of a regular $n$-gon located? What is the distribution of the intersection point of two random chords of a circle? We investigate these and related new questions in geometric probability,…
We review the well known Bertrand paradoxes, and we first maintain that they do not point to any probabilistic inconsistency, but rather to the risks incurred with a careless use of the locution "at random". We claim then that these…
The Bertrand's theorem can be formulated as the solution of an inverse problem for a classical unidimensional motion. We show that the solutions of these problems, if restricted to a given class, can be obtained by solving a numerical…
Parrondo's paradox is about a paradoxical game and gambling where two probabilistic losing games can be combined to form a winning game. While the counter intuitive game is interesting in itself, it can be thought of a discrete version of…
A set of chords of a circle of given radius is represented as a metric space w.r.t. a metric introduced by Hausdorf. The form of open and closed balls with respect to this metric is established. We consider a family of Hausdorff outer…
We clarify and generalize the ant on a rubber rope paradox, which is a mathematical puzzle with a solution that appears counterintuitive. In this paper, we show that the ant can still reach the end of the rope even if we consider the step…
We provide a natural answer to Lewis Carroll's pillow problem of what is the probability that a triangle is obtuse, Prob(Obtuse). This arises by straightforward combination of a) Kendall's Theorem - that the space of all triangles is a…
A new apparent relativistic paradox is presented involving only one space-time event. This is different from earlier relativistic paradoxes involving extended bodies or events at different positions. A collision between a rod and a ring…
The Parrondo's paradox is a counterintuitive phenomenon where individually-losing strategies can be combined in producing a winning expectation. In this paper, the issues surrounding the Parrondo's paradox are investigated. The focus is…
We figure out the famous Klein's paradox arising from the reflection problem when a Dirac particle encounters a step potential with infinite width. The key is to piecewise solve Dirac equation in such a way that in the region where the…
Parrondo's paradox arises in sequences of games in which a winning expectation may be obtained by playing the games in a random order, even though each game in the sequence may be lost when played individually. We present a suitable version…
The St. Petersburg paradox is the oldest paradox in decision theory and has played a pivotal role in the introduction of increasing concave utility functions embodying risk aversion and decreasing marginal utility of gains. All attempts to…
We use the idea of the broken stick problem (which goes back to Poincare) and calculate the corresponding probabilities for the cases in which the three broken part are: the medians in a triangle, the altitudes, radii of excircles, angle…
The Dirac's chord method may be suitable in different areas of physics for the representation of certain six-dimensional integrals for a convex body using the probability density of the chord length distribution. For a homogeneous model…
I think we can agree that dealing with uncertainty is not easy. Probability is the main tool for dealing with uncertainty, and we know there are many probability-related puzzles and paradoxes. Here I describe a rather idiosyncratic…
A new general equation to explain bending of arbitrary rods (from arbitrary materials, cross sections, densities, strengthnesses, bending angles, etc) was proposed. This equation can solve several problems found in classical equations,…