so while interviewing at cold spring harbor last year, one of my interviewers just asked a riddle. it went something like this. how do you tell when 60 secs is up when all you have is a match, a candle and a piece of string. This was for a ph.d program and no one got it, have you guys ever heard of this one? and if so what the heck is the answer!!!!? Thanks.
2006-09-01 06:46:56 · 7 answers · asked by deus82 3 in Entertainment & Music ➔ Jokes & Riddles
Well the Question is
You have a string that burns in exactly two minute. The fuse is inhomogeneous, and it may burn slowly at first, then quickly, then slowly, and so on. You have a match, and no watch. How do you measure exactly 60 seconds?
Answer is very Simple! (No need to be a PHD)
Light the string at both ends!!!!
2006-09-07 21:27:42 · answer #1 · answered by Anurag Bhatia 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
You sure did manage to find a tough one. Unfortunately I cannot give you an exact answer without running the experiment myself, however I can tell you that the answer revolves around creating a candle clock. Many years ago people used to use candles to measure length of time. They would either create candles that completely burn off in a certain time frame, or use candles with markings to indicate time frame. These types of clocks were also constructed using water and sand instead of candles. Devising this type of clock, it IS possible to accurately gauge 60 seconds. Do some research on candle clocks, and create a couple of your own. I'm sure you will be able to get the answer.
2006-09-05 01:27:51 · answer #2 · answered by Jatznic 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
by using Jatznic's answer out of your final question: make a candle clock. Candle clock is made by ability of first: degree how lots of the candle might burn in one 2nd (in basic terms approximate in this) then making a marking for each quite a few seconds. on the 60 seconds marking, placed the string around it, connect the different end of the string on your finger. while the situations up, you will possibly see that the string starts to burn, and can attain your hand, making it warm, in case you do no longer placed it out quickly. (properly, i'm somewhat forcing it on the string section eh. that's because of the fact we've not got nails, and we would desire to apply the string)
2016-11-06 05:45:19 · answer #3 · answered by sikorski 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
light the candle itll take 60 seconds to burn the string i guess
2006-09-01 07:20:28 · answer #4 · answered by i cant decide.... 2 · 0⤊ 1⤋
count in your head.
"one thousand one, one thousand two, one thousand three..."
and on and on untill you get to sixty.
Then you light the candle with the match and floss your teeth with the string.
2006-09-01 06:51:30 · answer #5 · answered by VetteLeo 6 · 1⤊ 1⤋
Ask McGuyver.
2006-09-01 07:52:04 · answer #6 · answered by Sare Bear 2 · 0⤊ 1⤋
lol. don't know.
2006-09-01 07:09:02 · answer #7 · answered by katz 4 · 0⤊ 2⤋