There is a rectangular tin 2cm by 3cm at the base, 2cm deep and open at the top.
It is filled with water to a depth of .4cm.
Twelve 1cm steel cubes are placed in the tin one by one. The first six form a single layer at the bottom. The next six form a second layer.

To what height does the water level rise after the placement of each cube?
Assume the cubes fit together tightly, leaving no spaces.

(In reply to Dissenting opinion by Federico Kereki)

... for the reason that once the 6th cube was placed on the opening for it, it would block the passage of water out of the 1x1x1 cubic volume in which it remained on the first level.

Maybe the tin wall would bend outward given enough hydraulic pressure, to allow placement of the 6th cube as the water goes upward, and then return to place after completion of the placement.

Posted by Charlie on 2006-05-15 14:19:57