Brain Teasers
Juggler Issue
Science
Science brain teasers require understanding of the physical or biological world and the laws that govern it.Science
A juggler must perform a trick in which he crosses a narrow bridge juggling 3 balls. He weighs 80 kg and each one of the balls weighs 10 kg. However, the bridge can hold only 100 kg before breaking. The lion tamer said that as long as he kept one ball in the air, the bridge won't collapse. Is he correct?
Hint
Newton's 3rd Law of MotionAnswer
Every action has an equal and opposite reaction. In fact, the lion tamer was wrong. Since each ball weighs 10 kg, it takes more than 10 kg to throw a ball into the air. Add that to the weight of the juggler and the weight of the balls he is holding, and the total will be over 100 kg. Therefore, the bridge he is standing on will collapse.Hide Hint Show Hint Hide Answer Show Answer
What Next?
View a Similar Brain Teaser...
If you become a registered user you can vote on this brain teaser, keep track of which ones you have seen, and even make your own.
Solve a Puzzle
Comments
Good one!!
Knew the 3rd law, guessed that the lion tamer was wrong but couldn't put it into words...
Yay for SCIENCE!!
Knew the 3rd law, guessed that the lion tamer was wrong but couldn't put it into words...
Yay for SCIENCE!!
poor juggler.
Poor bridge.
What's under the bridge, anyways?
Well the juggler is now.
ditto what Nerine said
entertaining visual imagery made a dry scientific teaser fun
thanks
entertaining visual imagery made a dry scientific teaser fun
thanks
perhaps the lions are under the bridge
I got it without the hint, but i said that when he catches the ball the force would cause him to go over the weight limit.(i'm thinking thought that could be disputed, therefore making yours more accurate =])
great teaser
great teaser
easy but great teaser!
I can't believe it took six years for this to be submitted. It's almost a classic!
Right now, I'm trying to picture an 80 kg fatso juggling bowling balls. I have to try juggling those sometime . . .
Right now, I'm trying to picture an 80 kg fatso juggling bowling balls. I have to try juggling those sometime . . .
Mar 18, 2009
I think it's a toss-up.
If the ball weighs 10 kg and it takes another 10 kg to catch it and return it to the air, that's right at the 100 kg limit.
Our juggler has a slim chance (but he better keep going)
If the ball weighs 10 kg and it takes another 10 kg to catch it and return it to the air, that's right at the 100 kg limit.
Our juggler has a slim chance (but he better keep going)
Who makes a bridge w/ only a 100 kg limit?
And who weighs 80 Kg?
Scientifically found teaser and correct answer. Very fun!
Interesting teaser. I'll have to take your word for the answer, though. Thanks for posting.
Jun 16, 2009
What about the force from him propelling himself forward on the bridge and moving one arm up to throw up the next ball. If he is moving at all, at no point will the force from his 80 kg be applied to the bridge right?
Nice one, keep them coming!!!
ummm it was kind of boraang
The average male weight in the United States is actually over 80kg.
It's hope the juggler either doesn't listen to the lion tamer or loses weight!
I got ur point eventhough it's quite confusing..i suggest you put ur computations on how u come up on ur conclusion..& oh, let me remind u that kg is only a unit for weight & not for force..anyways, it's still a good teaser..keep it up!..
Easy one...got that right in the first attempt...but thanks for submitting...
good one man ....
What if he juggled nearly straight horizontal? I juggle that way sometimes, and I don't think the force to throw would affect the bridge.
Ummm, there has been billions of people throughout history weighing 200 kilograms(kg). One kg = 2.2 pounds. 80kg x 2.2 = 176 pounds.
How about this? Before stepping onto the bridge he throws one ball to the far side, runs across quickly to the other side, and catches it, completing the juggle. This means he never exceeds the limit while on the bridge. Does that work?
Of course you can argue about whether this constitutes "juggling" but it does keep one ball in the air as specified.
Of course you can argue about whether this constitutes "juggling" but it does keep one ball in the air as specified.
To post a comment, please create an account and sign in.
Follow Braingle!