Final answer:
The question relates to the physics of motion, gravity's effect on thrown objects, and the probabilistic fairness of a coin toss. Understanding these principles can be advantageous in games such as bocce, lawn bowls, and pool.
Step-by-step explanation:
The statement 'Whoever has the closest ball to the jack wins the point' is related to the physics of motion, specifically the mechanics of how balls move under the influence of gravity on Earth. In games like bocce or lawn bowls, this rule determines how points are scored by comparing the proximity of balls thrown by players to the target ball, known as the jack. The successful strategy involves not only skill but an understanding of the physical arc a ball travels due to gravity and the forces applied during the throw.
The toss of a coin is a generally accepted fair method to decide who goes first in many games, including those with balls and jacks, because a coin has two distinct outcomes with an equal chance of landing on heads or tails, each with a probability of 50%. Thus, choosing heads gives you a 50% chance that the coin toss will go your way.
When playing a game of pool, the scenario where a player believes they can sink a ball with their mind is more related to psychology or sportsmanship rather than the physics which dictate that a cue must physically strike the ball to induce motion. Nevertheless, someone who is versed in the physics of the game can use their skills to predict ball trajectories and apply the right amounts of force and spin to control the game more effectively, which might make it seem as though they are influencing the game with their mind.