Deck of Cards and Planck Time?

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the comparison of the number of possible arrangements of a deck of cards to the estimated number of Planck times since the beginning of the Universe. Participants explore implications related to the vastness of possibilities and potential connections to quantum physics.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Conceptual clarification, Debate/contested

Main Points Raised

  • One participant calculates that the number of arrangements of a deck of cards (approximately 8.066 x 10^67) exceeds the estimated number of Planck times since the Universe began (approximately 5.053 x 10^61), suggesting a vast difference in scale.
  • Another participant introduces the concept of the number of possible chess games, implying a similar exploration of vast possibilities.
  • A third participant questions whether the original post is making a point related to quantum physics or merely highlighting the vastness of possibilities in card arrangements.
  • A later reply presents an additional fact about the age of the Universe being of the same order of magnitude as the number of people on Earth, suggesting a potential trend in these comparisons.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express varying perspectives on the implications of the calculations, with some focusing on the vastness of possibilities while others question the relevance to quantum physics. The discussion remains unresolved regarding the significance of these comparisons.

Contextual Notes

Participants do not clarify the assumptions behind their calculations or the implications of comparing vastly different concepts such as card arrangements and Planck times.

nicholasfouss
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Deck of Cards and Planck Time?

This is truly unbelievable. I've checked my work multiple times, gotten it checked by others, and still the same answer remains.

There are more ways to rearrange a single deck of cards than there have been Planck times since the Universe began.

Number of formations of a single deck of cards:
52! = 52 x 51 x 50 x 49 ... 3 x 2 x 1
52! [tex]\approx[/tex] 8.066 x 10[tex]^{}67[/tex]

Number of Planck times (tp) since the Universe began (assuming the Universe is approx. 16 billion years old, which is generous):
(1 x 10[tex]^{}44[/tex]) x (60) x (60) x (24) x (365.5) x (1.6 x 10[tex]^{}10[/tex]) [tex]\approx[/tex] 5.053 x 10[tex]^{}61[/tex]

(tp in a sec)(sec in min)(min in hr)(hr in day)(day in yr)(yr since singularity)

8.066 x 10[tex]^{}67[/tex] > 5.053 x 10[tex]^{}61[/tex]

Keep in mind, a Planck time is the time it takes for light (in a vacuum) to travel a Planck length (1.6 x 10[tex]^{}-35[/tex] metres.
 
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Now, think about how many possible games (that is: entire games) of chess there are.
 


Are you trying to make a point about something related to quantum physics?
or just stating the vastness of possibilities in a deck of cards?
 


Another "unbelievable" fact:
The age of universe in years is of the same order of magnitude as the number of people on Earth. They will probably become equal in the next 100 years or so.
 

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