How to Fall Through Walls: A Theory Explained

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In summary, the conversation discusses a theory that suggests if one leans on a wall for a couple of billion years, they may eventually fall through it. This is related to the Uncertainty Principle and quantum tunneling. However, the probability of this happening is extremely low and it is more likely that the person would die before it occurs. The conversation also mentions the monkey theorem, which states that given enough time, monkeys typing on typewriters may eventually produce Shakespeare's work. However, the probability of this happening is still extremely low. It is suggested that the probability may be higher if the monkeys were constrained to using simpler language like mathematics.
  • #1
theperthvan
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I heard of this theory that says if you lean on a wall for a couple of billion years then at some stage you should fall through it. What's this called?
Cheers
 
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  • #2
Due to the Uncertainty Principle... But the probability of you being Casper is very very very very low.
 
  • #4
It's more likely that you die before that happens. :smile:
 
  • #5
theperthvan said:
I heard of this theory that says if you lean on a wall for a couple of billion years then at some stage you should fall through it. What's this called?
Cheers

Crap.

After a couple of billion years you would be, at best, dust.
 
  • #6
Do you know of the monkey theorem? It states that if you let enough monkeys type on typewriters long enough, at some point Shakespeare's work is bound to come out.
Though it is true that the possibility of this happening is definitely non-zero, I saw a calculation once which assumed a ridiculously large numbers of monkeys and showed that the probability of this happening from the creation of the universe until today was still smaller than something like 10^{-100}.
 
  • #7
Might the probability be higher, much higher if you constrained it to simple language like maths, instead of English which has many rules? Surely you might get the complete works of Shakespeare in encrypted form too ;p
 

FAQ: How to Fall Through Walls: A Theory Explained

How is it possible to fall through walls?

According to the theory of quantum tunneling, it is possible for particles to pass through barriers, such as walls, due to their wave-like nature. This phenomenon occurs at the subatomic level and is governed by the laws of quantum mechanics.

Can anyone fall through walls?

The theory of quantum tunneling applies to all particles, including atoms and molecules. However, the probability of successfully tunneling through a wall decreases as the size and mass of the particle increases. So while it is theoretically possible for larger objects to fall through walls, the chances are extremely low.

Are there any risks associated with falling through walls?

Theoretically, there should be no physical harm in falling through a wall as the particles would simply pass through each other. However, the energy required for such an event to occur is immense and not currently attainable by humans. Additionally, the potential for damaging the structural integrity of the wall and surrounding objects should also be considered.

What are the real-world applications of this theory?

The theory of quantum tunneling has many practical applications, such as in electronic devices like transistors and flash memory. It is also used in scanning tunneling microscopes, which can image individual atoms and molecules. Additionally, this theory is being explored for potential uses in quantum computing and teleportation.

Is falling through walls the same as teleportation?

No, falling through walls is a concept based on the principles of quantum tunneling, while teleportation involves the instantaneous transfer of matter from one location to another. However, both involve manipulating the laws of quantum mechanics and are currently only possible at the subatomic level.

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