> There's something that bothers me about radioactive decay 
> being random. 

The fact that you can use it to deliver something that is not random
does not disqualify it :)

Take the (average) decay rate, let's say 1 decay per 2 seconds. So the
the chance of a decay in a 1-second period is 50%. Now arrage your
random-bit-generator to check for a decay during each 1 second period. A
decay: deliver a 1. No decay: deliver a 0. Voila, an - as far as we know
- perfect source of random bits.

Wouter van Ooijen

-- -------------------------------------------
Van Ooijen Technische Informatica: www.voti.nl
consultancy, development, PICmicro products
docent Hogeschool van Utrecht: www.voti.nl/hvu
 
 

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