Question: A science journalist is analyzing data from 12 experiments—7 on quantum mechanics and 5 on classical physics. She wishes to feature a sequence of 6 experiments in her article such that no two quantum experiments are adjacent. How many such sequences are possible if all experiments are distinct?

Tue, 05 May 2026 09:28:44 +0000

**How a Science Journalist Can Structure a Feature on Quantum and Classical Experiments—Without Breaking the Rules** What’s capturing attention across US science circles right now? Experts are grappling with how quantum mechanics continues to reshape our understanding of reality—while classical physics still grounds foundational knowledge. This tension is sparking fresh reporting, and one compelling puzzle emerges from a simple data analysis: how many distinct sequences of 6 experiments—7 quantum, 5 classical—can a science journalist present without placing two quantum studies side by side? It’s not just a logic problem—it’s a gateway to understanding how complex ideas spread in modern science communication. --- ### Why This Question’s Gaining Traction