Student Education Repository (மாணவர்கள் கல்விக் களஞ்சியம்): Only for Genius

Saturday, November 14, 2020

Only for Genius - Who dies if E pushes the stone?

Only for Genius - Who dies if E pushes the stone?

Above is the "Who dies if E pushes the stone" puzzle. The above graphic depicts five people, A, B, C, D, and E.

E is about to roll down a crescent rock into a death trap. D is stuck inside a hole with only his head sticking out. C is tied beneath a seesaw, however, the plank right above him has spikes on its lower side. B is inside a hole that is right behind the rock on the seesaw. A is on a high ledge behind B.

To solve this puzzle, you have to find out who will die when E rolls down the crescent rock. This puzzle is actually easier than it looks. First, you need to pay attention to the square marks on the image and the rock. And second, you need to keep in mind that the rock will roll down normally despite its crescent.

'Who Dies if E Pushes the Stone' Answer

At first glance, most people think that D, C and B will die in this puzzle. However, this puzzle is a test of your basic physics and math skills. If you think about the density of the crescent rock, then you will realize that the only person who dies is D, and possibly C if the rock is heavy enough.

Keep in mind that the crescent rock does not have the same mass as the rock on the seesaw. Despite both rocks having the same diameter, the crescent rock has a huge missing section. Therefore, when E rolls down the crescent rock, it will not have enough mass to fling the big rock on the other side of the seesaw. The only other person who could possibly die is C, but that is only if the crescent rock is heavy enough to lower the seesaw's plank.

Answer 1: D and C

“D” may die first as it clearly appears from the above scene that E has some grudge on D and has planned to kill him. But what if the crescent-shaped stone rolls down and hits the balance under which C is lying? In that case, C may die too (provided the rock is very heavy)!

Answer 2: D, C and E

As per the above interpretation if both D and C are killed, then it is highly likely that first stone pushed by “E” hits the balance, thereby, causing other stone on the balance to jump upwards and hit E in the end. So, by pushing down one stone, D, C and E – all three are killed. However, this is possible only if the first rock was heavy enough to fling the big rock on the other side of the seesaw.

Weight = mg and Work = mgh.

Answer 3: D, C, and B

It may also happen that the second stone on the balance surge upwards and hits “B” instead of “E”. If this is true, then there will be three casualties – D, C and B. But, this is possible only if the rock is heavy enough!