Why this result seems “magical” (when it is logical)
Our brain likes to extrapolate “by eye”: we imagine that the water is distributed everywhere at once. In reality, it favors the path of least resistance . Container 3 combines the advantages of direct access, no clogging, low inlet height, and short travel distance. As long as container 3 is not saturated at the outlet (if it has one), it captures most of the initial flow.
Train your eye: a quick checklist to apply to all versions
- Look for dams: a tiny line can mean “blocked.”
- Note the levels: a branch rising above the liquid interrupts its flow.
- Count your elbows: the more you have, the greater the pressure loss.
- Measure the proximity of the first vertical pipe after the main branch.
- Be patient: the puzzle rewards completion, not haste.
A little extra fun
Want to spice things up with family or friends? Hide some sections (print, fold, mask) and ask others to reconstruct the probable route before revealing the full diagram. Guaranteed laughter… and food for thought!
Moral: In these puzzles, as in life, the shortest and clearest path often wins, provided you pay attention to the details. To proceed quickly, remember to check the obstacles before drawing any conclusions.
