Statistics and Probability - Ping Pong Balls

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 Code Number :   1A20.27

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Reprinted by permission of Dick Berg, University of Maryland, for use on this website.

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Condition :   Good  
Principle :   Units of Measure   
Area of Study :  Mechanics  
Equipment :   Ping Pong ball demo with distinct rows, box with cards that are black on one side and white on the other.

 

Procedure :   Take the box with the cards and turn them so that all one color is up.  Shake the box once and see which percentage of the cards have turned over.  Shake the box again and again count the percentage.  The more shakes given the box, the closer to a 50:50 distribution there should be.

The ping pong balls are arranged in definite rows.  Either shake or turn the box and bring it back upright and see how much of the original ordered state remains.

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Mail Questions and Comments to:  Dale Stille