Phydeaux writes:
And how does that differ from what I said:
"I realize that some of the alpha particles may have went further than others, but you can't really see the damage they caused."
I know all the alpha particles are not all lined up in one spot, but the curve is pretty steep. Meaning there is an edge. Sure there may be an uncertainty of .1 m, but nothing like there is measuring from the center of the ring.
It differs because in English and mathematics 'center' and 'edge' are not the same.
Sheesh, if we have to start at this basic a level of understanding, I don't see how anything productive can happen for some time.
I'll be back if I have something to contribute after you have worked out the difference between center and edge, and why it is important to measure the mean and not the illusive and undefined edge when discussing large amounts of data points that scatter around a mean in the normal curve.
Edited by anglagard, : added "illusive and undefined"
Read not to contradict and confute, not to believe and take for granted, not to find talk and discourse, but to weigh and consider - Francis Bacon
The more we understand particular things, the more we understand God - Spinoza