Match, candle and a piece of string?

Question

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.

Answer 1

I'm just gonna copy and paste the answer i already gave you the first time you asked this same exact question:

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.

Answer 2

with the help of Jatznic's answer from your last question: make a candle clock.

Candle clock is made by first: measure how much of the candle would burn in one second (just approximate in this) then making a marking for each several seconds. On the 60 seconds marking, put the string around it, connect the other end of the string to your finger. When the times up, you would see that the string starts to burn, and would reach your hand, making it hot, if you don't put it out soon. (well, I'm a bit forcing it at the string part eh. This is because we don't have nails, and we must use the string)

Answer 3

You particular did be able to discover a hard one. regrettably i won't supply you a precise answer without working the test myself, although i will inform you that the respond revolves around coming up a candle clock. some years in the past human beings used to apply candles to degree length of time. they could the two create candles that thoroughly burn off in a definite time-physique, or use candles with markings to point time-physique. those style of clocks have been additionally built utilising water and sand rather of candles. Devising this form of clock, it rather is possible to correctly gauge 60 seconds. do a splash diagnosis on candle clocks, and create a pair of your person. i'm particular you're transforming into the potential to get the respond.

Answer 4

i have no stinking idea... did he tell you the answer?