Solve the Riddle: Juggling Force All

  • Thread starter istock1
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Juggling the balls would exert more than 2 lbs of downward pressure, making it impossible to safely transport them across the bridge. The relevant equation would be the force of gravity, which would be greater than the weight of the balls.
  • #1
istock1
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All,

A friend of mine recently posed the following riddle:

You weight 198 lbs, and need to transport three iron balls that weight 1 lb each across a bridge that can only support 200 lbs. How do you do it?

The proposed answer: Juggle the balls.

It would seem to me that tossing a 1 lb ball in the air high enough to juggle it would exert more than 2 lbs of downward pressure. What do you think? What would be the relevant equation?

Thanks!
 
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  • #2
Do a search for the thread that asks the same question but with a truck that has a bunch of birds.
 
  • #3
No Fred, we've also answered this precise question a few dozen times as well...

The short answer, istock1, is that you are correct.
 
Last edited:

1. What is the "Juggling Force All" riddle?

The "Juggling Force All" riddle is a mathematical puzzle that involves a juggler trying to balance two objects of different weights by manipulating the forces acting on them.

2. How do you solve the "Juggling Force All" riddle?

The key to solving the "Juggling Force All" riddle is to use Newton's laws of motion and the concept of equilibrium. The forces acting on each object must be balanced for the juggler to successfully juggle them.

3. What are the main challenges in solving the "Juggling Force All" riddle?

The main challenges in solving the "Juggling Force All" riddle include understanding the forces acting on each object, finding the right balance between these forces, and accurately calculating the required forces and velocities to keep the objects in motion.

4. Are there any real-world applications of the "Juggling Force All" riddle?

Yes, the "Juggling Force All" riddle has practical applications in physics, engineering, and even sports. It helps to understand the principles of force and motion and how they can be used to manipulate objects in a controlled manner.

5. Can the "Juggling Force All" riddle be solved in different ways?

Yes, there are multiple approaches to solving the "Juggling Force All" riddle, and the solution can vary depending on the specific conditions and constraints of the puzzle. Some solutions may be more efficient or elegant than others.

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