Luchin’s water jar problem

Luchin's water jar problem, also known as the Luchin's jar experiment, is a classic problem in decision-making and optimization. It was proposed by the Soviet psychologist Boris Luchin in the 1920s and is often used to illustrate the concept of functional fixedness.

The problem involves three water jars with different capacities: a 21-liter jar, an 11-liter jar, and a 7-liter jar. The goal is to measure exactly 10 liters of water using only these three jars and a water source. 

Luchin’s water jar problem-The challenge lies in finding the most efficient sequence of steps to achieve the desired measurement.

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At first glance, the task may seem impossible since there is no single jar with a 10-liter capacity. However, by employing a systematic approach, it is indeed feasible. The solution involves a series of pouring and transferring actions between the jars.

One possible solution is as follows:

• Fill the 11-liter jar to its maximum capacity.
• Pour the water from the 11-liter jar into the 7-liter jar, leaving 4 liters in the 11-liter jar.
• Empty the 7-liter jar.
• Pour the remaining 4 liters from the 11-liter jar into the now-empty 7-liter jar.
• Fill the 11-liter jar to its maximum capacity again.
• Pour water from the 11-liter jar into the 7-liter jar until it is full, which leaves 1 liter in the 11-liter jar.
• Empty the 7-liter jar.
• Pour the 1 liter from the 11-liter jar into the now-empty 7-liter jar.
• Fill the 7-liter jar to its maximum capacity.
• Pour water from the 7-liter jar into the 21-liter jar until it is full, which leaves exactly 10 liters in the 7-liter jar.

By carefully following this sequence of steps, the desired measurement of 10 liters can be achieved using the given jars.

Luchin's water jar problem highlights the importance of thinking outside the box and overcoming functional fixedness, which refers to the tendency to perceive objects based on their traditional uses rather than exploring alternative possibilities. 

Luchin’s water jar problem-This problem serves as an excellent exercise for developing problem-solving skills and fostering creative thinking.

 

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