A windowless room contains 3 light bulbs, each connected to a switch outside the room. You can flip any of the switches in any order. You can then enter and look at the lights, but not touch the switches again. Which switch controls which light?

Flip on switches 1 & 2, wait a moment and switch off number 2. Enter the room. Whichever bulb is on is wired to switch 1, whichever is off and hot is wired to switch number 2, and the third is wired to switch 3.

Related Oxbridge Preparation Mentoring answers

All answers ▸

What is a biology interview at Oxford like?


How do I make my personal statement stand out?


A populist argument for Brexit was that the Westminster Parliament cannot remain sovereign (in control) whilst the UK is a part of the European Union. Do you think this is true? Why/why not?


What is the best way to prepare for my history interview at Oxford/Cambridge?


We're here to help

contact us iconContact usWhatsapp logoMessage us on Whatsapptelephone icon+44 (0) 203 773 6020
Facebook logoInstagram logoLinkedIn logo
Cookie Preferences