(As the water flows down the main tube, we can follow its rising level to determine which numbered cup will fill first)
Tube to 5 is blocked off at the main tube
Water rises upward, but the tube to 4 is blocked off at the main tube
Water rises to the point of flowing down to 6, but the tube to 6 is blocked at its bottom. Tube to 6 fills all the way up to the main tube.
Water rises upward, but the tube to 3 is blocked at the main tube
Water rises upward, and there’s a hole in the main tube directly above the blocked route to 3. So water runs out of that hole and splashes down and around. More of the splashes go into cup 3 than into cup 2.
So 3 is the winner!
Well. I saw that, and also understood that the gaps and lines in the tube were part of the puzzle, but really didn’t think that splashing was the answer! Thanks for this–with luck I’ll remember the next time I see this one 🙂
Jon comments:
3
Darlyne comments:
I think they are all blocked..
Jenny comments:
5
Jenny comments:
boo — Jon just told me the answer and here’s a hint: any little gaps or lines are intentional, not just part of the way it’s drawn.
Julie comments:
Ok, I remember seeing this one a while ago but I cannot remember the answer or figure it out now. Halp!
Jon comments:
(As the water flows down the main tube, we can follow its rising level to determine which numbered cup will fill first)
Tube to 5 is blocked off at the main tube
Water rises upward, but the tube to 4 is blocked off at the main tube
Water rises to the point of flowing down to 6, but the tube to 6 is blocked at its bottom. Tube to 6 fills all the way up to the main tube.
Water rises upward, but the tube to 3 is blocked at the main tube
Water rises upward, and there’s a hole in the main tube directly above the blocked route to 3. So water runs out of that hole and splashes down and around. More of the splashes go into cup 3 than into cup 2.
So 3 is the winner!
Julie comments:
Well. I saw that, and also understood that the gaps and lines in the tube were part of the puzzle, but really didn’t think that splashing was the answer! Thanks for this–with luck I’ll remember the next time I see this one 🙂