The probability of a fair coin landing on its edge after being tossed by an unbiased tosser is a complex statistical problem. Calculating this probability requires understanding the forces involved in the toss and employing a stochastic process to model the outcomes. While the coin typically lands on heads or tails, the occurrence of it landing on its edge is rare and can be analyzed using principles from statistical mechanics. This discussion emphasizes the need for a detailed statistical approach to quantify the likelihood of this unusual outcome.
PREREQUISITESMathematicians, physicists, statisticians, and anyone interested in the probabilities of rare events in physical systems.
PhanthomJay said:What is the probability of a fair coin landing on its edge after being tossed by an unbiased tosser? Is there a way to calculate this? Usually the coin will land either heads or tails, but once in awhile, even when not in the Twilight Zone, it will land on its edge...how much is 'once in a while'? No walls allowed which the coin might lean against...just an unbiased floor...