1) The evolution of the binomial distribution (discrete) into
the Poisson distribution (continuous) makes me think about
the evolution of quantum mechanics into classical mechanics.
2) John Denker wrote:
Let's pin down the notation:
p = probability of a PARTICULAR atom decaying per unit time
Yes, and that is what is used in the law of radioactive decay,
N=No*exp(-p*t). In most books it is called lambda, the inverse
of the mean decay time. Some atoms are lucky to live much
longer than others. An atom has no age but it can be lucky or not
lucky. The mean time, 1/p, is not its property, it the property of
a large population. Nothing profound but worth pondering.
Ludwik Kowalski