Brain Teasers
Paraffin Lamp
I was caught in a storm at night in a rowboat, which capsized and sank. I swam to a small deserted island nearby where I found a paraffin lamp and some matches. There was only a little paraffin in the lamp, not enough to reach the wick and enable me to light it. How could I use the lamp?
Hint
Think of the properties of paraffin and water.Answer
Put some water in the lamp. The paraffin will float on the water and will soak the wick. You will be able to use the lamp until all of the paraffin is finished.Hide Hint Show Hint Hide Answer Show Answer
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Comments
Good teaser.But, One question.
How would that help a stranded,shipwrecked man?
How would that help a stranded,shipwrecked man?
Hi Princess, for one thing he will have light to examine his surroundings for other things that may assist him. He can use the lamp to signal for help, and as a source to light fires if he wants to conserve the matches. It can even be a source of heat. Better a light than no light.
I think that he could also have soaked the wick in the parafin, then lit it. But good job anyway.
Mar 20, 2003
I was thinking along the lines of rubbing the lamp and then asking the genie to get you more gas and a way to get home...
but thats probably just me
but thats probably just me
Mar 20, 2003
oh! and some money to buy a better boat next time!
Cool. Do we get more teasers from you?
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