Get Math Help

GET TUTORING NEAR ME!

(800) 434-2582

By submitting the following form, you agree to Club Z!'s Terms of Use and Privacy Policy

    Home / Get Math Help

    Thomson Lamp Paradox

    Alternate name
    Definition

    A lamp is turned on for 1/2 minute, off for 1/4 minute, on for 1/8 minute, etc. At the end of one minute, the lamp switch will have been moved ℵ_0 times, where ℵ_0 is aleph-0. Will the lamp be on or off? This paradox is actually nonsensical, since it is equivalent to asking if the "last" integer is even or odd.

    Associated person

    James F. Thomson

    Back to List | POWERED BY THE WOLFRAM LANGUAGE