Probability Theory: Is A Certainty with C & T?

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SUMMARY

The discussion centers on the probability of a primitive living cell forming through random combinations of 92 elements and 26 amino acids in microleters of water over trillions of years. The participant references Professor Stephen Hawking's assertion regarding the probability of Earth being struck by an extraterrestrial object, arguing that the vast number of possible combinations in nature suggests a near-certain probability of life emerging given sufficient time. The key conclusion is that with the right conditions (C) and an immense timespan (T), the probability of producing a living cell (A) approaches 1.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of basic probability theory
  • Familiarity with the concepts of random mixing in chemistry
  • Knowledge of the elements and amino acids relevant to biological processes
  • Awareness of the scale of time in cosmology
NEXT STEPS
  • Research the principles of probability theory in biological contexts
  • Explore the concept of abiogenesis and the conditions required for life
  • Investigate the statistical models used in evolutionary biology
  • Learn about the vastness of the universe and its implications for life formation
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Students of biology, chemists interested in abiogenesis, cosmologists studying the universe's scale, and anyone exploring the intersection of probability and life sciences.

dcroose
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Homework Statement



A - something that is a known possibility
C - correct conditions conducive to produce A
T - many trillion years in which C continues


Homework Equations



Is it true that with the above factors the probability of "A" is "1", or very close to 1?

The Attempt at a Solution



This is what I believe Professor Steven Hawkins said about a meteor or comet striking Earth.


 
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It depends on how improbable the event is. If the probability of A occurring in a given year is 1 in a million, this does not mean that the probability of it occurring in a million years is 1. But in a trillion years, the probability of it not occurring is practically 0.

AM
 
Hi Andrew,
Thank you for the quick reply. I have tried to find an answer to my question on several math forums but you are the first one to respond.

The specific conditions of my case is the random mixing of all 92 elements and 26 amino acids In order to produce an exact sequence of the exact amount of elements and amino acids to produce a single primitive living cell capable of reproduction. A single cubic microleter of water in an ocean or lake or stream makes a perfect test tube for such random mixing of elements and amino acids. Moreover each microleter of water on the planet is continually changing its make up, thereby trying new mixtures. How many microleters of water do you think there are on planet Earth, and how many different combinations would be produced every hour? Now multiply that number of possible random combinations times the trillions of planets that exist in the universe and you have a very high number of randomly different combinations.

If Steven Hawkins can say the probabily of the Earth being hit bt an exterestial object is "one" over time. Then I feel my "number of randomly different combinations" is far higher than the number of extraterrestrial objects in the space of the solar syatem, and if anything, the occurrence of the right combination of materials shoud be at least "one" given a time span of the trillions of years the universe will last.

Is there any way I can prove this?

I will look forward to a reply. You may email me if you like.

Take Care & thanks again.

The single most important criteria for all human decisions is ...
"Is it good for Earth's children?"

Dick Roose
http://realityfound.org
dcroose@comcast.net
 
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