You are studying the effects of gravity on clay spheres. You conjecture that they will shatter... but at what height? You want to find out the smallest integral height in meters from which the clay will fall and shatter.

Unfortunately, you only have four identical clay spheres, at least until the company that makes them starts returning your calls. Also, you only have enough time for 8 tests, during which the general area will be cleared of people. Last time someone did such an experiment, an egg... well, it was messy. Up to what height can you test the effects of gravity on the clay?

(In reply to Scale It Down by Richard)

Well, you could test 6 meters with two spheres and three drops.  Drop the first sphere at 3 meters.  If it breaks, drop the 2nd sphere at 1 and then 2 meters.  If it doesn't break at 3 meters, drop it again at 5 meters.  If it breaks use the last drop at 4 meters; if it doesn't, use the last drop at 6 meters.  However, you guys lost me with all the binary talk, so I'm not sure how this relates to your point...:)

Posted by tomarken on 2006-05-06 09:20:04