2006-08-27 08:40:36 · 8 answers · asked by ixat02 2 in Science & Mathematics ➔ Physics
You wanna know when we shift from "a heap of sand" to "Not a heap of sand". You can know more about it by studying Fuzzy Logic principles. It says our world is not made in the form of pairs of (zero , one), (yes , no), (true , false), (black , white). There is always a gray shade between white and black. So by taking a grain from a heap of sand you move on a spectrum toward "not a heap of sand". By continuing taking grains finally you reach to "not a heap of sand"
2006-08-28 01:33:39 · answer #1 · answered by Farshad 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Since "heap" is not an exact measurement, but a matter of opinion, you could remove many grains and still have a "heap". Also, the location of the "heap" is a deciding factor. As an example..3-5 grains of sand in your eye might be considered a heap, but it would not be a heap in a child's sand box. So, I guess my answer is, "Only you can decide when you still have a heap." It's an individual thing.
2006-08-27 08:53:37 · answer #2 · answered by Dan 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
A heap is defined by Webster as:
1 : a collection of things thrown one on another : PILE
2 : a great number or large quantity : LOT
As long as you have three or more grains of sand, you will have a heap.
2006-08-27 08:45:31 · answer #3 · answered by tomthebomb1981 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
The counting system of one primitive society was "one, two, and a bunch". I don't think heap is as well defined. But you need enough grains to preserve the concept of objects piled upon one another. You might get someone to agree that 3 carefully placed grains could constitute a heap. That's after accomplishing the harder task. That is, convincing them your question is serious.
2006-08-27 17:23:32 · answer #4 · answered by Frank N 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
yes of course you'll still have that heap of sand in that pile. No matter what you do in that pile/heap, all sand will still be there. you're just removing one grain of sand away which is very micro sized sand.
2006-08-27 08:44:19 · answer #5 · answered by iwasjustawanderinman 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
When does the heap become a few grains...
When it reaches the Shandrakesar limit!
You could post that question under black holes in the astrophysics section!
Wow! What have you been smoking?
2006-08-27 10:17:03 · answer #6 · answered by Yahoo! 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I like whatever's answer. I used to think I was bald but now I know I have a head full of hair, mostly.
2006-08-27 09:25:13 · answer #7 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
I cut ur single hair, will u be bald? I cut another, will u? I cut another...?
2006-08-27 08:45:55 · answer #8 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋