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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