Answer to the Question 09/03
DELICATE BALANCEThe question was:
Consider a lead pencil balanced on its point. Estimate how long it will remain standing if quantum effects (uncertainty principle) are taken into account. Compare that answer with the time it takes for thermal effects (air molecules, thermal radiation (if it's in vacuum)) to topple it.
(4/04) The problem has been solved (7/3/04) by John G. Florakis (e-mail sniper_700@hotmail.com). His solution can be found in the following PDF file. He has shown that in each of the cases the time is few seconds.
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