Coin Flip, 1A20.20

Topic and Concept:

• Measurement, [:Measurement#ErrorAccuracy: 1A20. Error and Accuracy]

Location: Use your own coin.

attachment:CoinFlip-01-400.jpg

Abstract:

Flip a coin to show 50/50 probability.

Important Setup Notes:

• N/A

Setup and Procedure:

1. Flip a coin several times and keep track of the number of heads & tails.

2. Compare the distribution to the predicted outcome of half heads and half tails.

Cautions, Warnings, or Safety Concerns:

• N/A

Discussion:

The probability of an event occurring is # of desired outcomes that can occur divided by the total # of outcomes possible. Thus, for a coin which has only two faces, heads or tails, the probability of the coin landing on either side is 50%. For a low number of coin tosses, the actual distribution may differ much or little from what is expected depending on random chance. For a high number of tosses, however, the distribution will be what is expected.

Videos:

• [https://www.youtube.com/user/LectureDemostrations/videos?view=1 Lecture Demonstration's Youtube Channel]

References:

• N/A

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