Difference between revisions of "Statistical impossibility"
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| − | A '''statistical impossibility''' is a probability that is so low as to not be worthy of mentioning. Sometimes it is quoted as | + | A '''statistical impossibility''' is a probability that is so low as to not be worthy of mentioning. Sometimes it is quoted as 10<sup>-50</sup><ref>[http://www.evolutionthelie.com/probability-statistics/life-from-non-life-is-a-statistical-impossibility/ Evolution the lie; statistical impossibility]</ref> although the cutoff is inherently arbitrary. Although not truly impossible the probability is low enough so as to not bear mention in a rational, reasonable argument. |
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| + | In some cases that arise in [[Gedanken experiment]]s in [[Second Law of Thermodynamics|thermodynamics]], the probabilities can be approximately 10<sup>[[Avogadro's number]]</sup>, that is, 10<sup>10<sup>23</sup></sup>, give or take a few billion orders of magnitude. | ||
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| + | == References == | ||
| + | {{reflist}} | ||
| + | [[Category:Probability and Statistics]] | ||
| + | [[Category:Thermodynamics]] | ||
| + | [[Category:Second Law of Thermodynamics]] | ||
Latest revision as of 02:16, November 1, 2022
A statistical impossibility is a probability that is so low as to not be worthy of mentioning. Sometimes it is quoted as 10-50[1] although the cutoff is inherently arbitrary. Although not truly impossible the probability is low enough so as to not bear mention in a rational, reasonable argument.
In some cases that arise in Gedanken experiments in thermodynamics, the probabilities can be approximately 10Avogadro's number, that is, 101023, give or take a few billion orders of magnitude.