Was this experiment ever done?

Question

"If a robot were to drop the same die from the same height on the same spot with the same sides facing the same way 100 times in a vacuum, the die would land on a different number each time."

This is a quote from someone responding to a question. Is it EXPERIMENTALLY accurate?

Answer 1

I've never heard that one but ... my understanding is that there are a lot of events in the universe that are controlled by random factors. For example there is molecular movement of atoms and molecules in the die that is effecting it's weight distribution. If you were dropping the die for a height of 1 inch then it would probably always land the same way. However if you were dropping it from a height of 1 light year at a speed of 1 mile per hour then I suspect it might rotate randomly during it's fall.

Answer 2

No, the experiment has not been done. It wouldn't be done.

The idea behind the sentence is that science relies on the assumption that, given the same material situations, causes, and precedents, consequences can, at least in theory, be predicted. So, if we were to control all of the relevant factors in a die roll, we could guarantee what number the die would land on each time.

I happen to know that this is true in coin flips, as I'm experienced in trick-flipping, with 100% accuracy in my ability to make sure that the coin always lands on whatever side I desire. I just need to hold it a certain way when I flip it, and make sure it doesn't land on a surface where it can bounce AND roll (one or the other is fine, but both can screw it up). Rolling a die is the same idea, but I would imagine that more factors are involved.

So, the experiment would not be performed. Science relies on the universality of physical laws. If it weren't true, we could hardly even guarantee that the robot or vacuum pump would work, no matter how many times they worked it in the past.

Answer 3

I don't know if the experiment was actually done, though I would be surprised if not. Chaos theory implies you should get a distribution that becomes increasingly random, the more times the die bounces before it settles. Any experienced researcher with access to an experimental physics archive could give you the actual facts, if they exist.

I have a hunch that the gambling industry has examined this question in great depth.

Edit: Do you see that your question is deeply flawed? A standard die has six sides. It is impossible to toss it 100 times and get a different result EACH time. Could that have been your point?

Answer 4

I don't know, at least not in the sense that I'm thinking. I would tend to disagree unless you have a 100 sided die. The force is the same, the height is the same, I don't think that anything but the rotation can be different. And in a vacuum if everything is done the exact same, I don't believe you would get random results.

Answer 5

yes, this has been done and the outcome is predicted by statistical probability. Each side of the die may come up in a percertage of it's ratio to the total number of sides. Eg: two sides = 50% probability either side will come up. 4 sides = 25% probability for each side. 6 sides = 16.66% (1 in 6 chance). Every six rolls the same side should come up again. Each side will appear every 6th time. There is some variation and one needs to use statistical formulas to determine if the variation is significant, or in other words not just accident. These factors have been very important in ESP research. Large numbers of trials are needed for statistical significance because there is some normal variation due to "chance". "Chance" may be tiny variables that we cannot control at this time such as minute changes in the vacume or the force or direction of the machine throwing the die or imperfections in the die itself.

Answer 6

For this experiment to make sense it would need to performed in space, in order to rule out seismic influences, and even then there could be external influences like radiologic, gravitational, or magnetic and so on.

By the way, a die has six sides, normally. If you make more than six throws, the chance that it will land on the same side once are 100%. Snigger.

Answer 7

It depends on how many sides the die had (logically, it would have to have at least 100 to land on a different number each time). Although it might land on a random number each time.

Answer 8

Assuming the conditions were pristine and precisely accurate, i believe the die would change every time it was dropped.
I get the point its making, but this experiment cant be done because any variation, even nanometers of the set up would influence the results.

Answer 9

Yea its experimentally accurate. and it should land on the same side every time but why is this in the religious section.

Answer 10

don't robots have anything better to do?

besides, unless it's a hundred sided die, then it can't land on a different number each time