An IQ test for you: can you solve it?

 

We love these little challenges that get the mind going in two minutes flat… and this one might just surprise you! Imagine a simple, almost childlike scene, but one where every detail counts: a slope, a seesaw, a few rocks, and five people named A through E. There's only one question, though: if E starts the action, who will be the first one in trouble? Take a deep breath… and let's play together.

Why these puzzles stimulate your mind

It's often believed that only puzzles or Sudoku improve attention span. In reality,  visual puzzles call upon a range of useful skills  : keen observation, logic, anticipation, and even a bit of intuition. By searching for the correct sequence of events, you train your brain to  see  the consequences before they occur—  a valuable skill in everyday life , whether it's organizing your schedule or preparing a stress-free meal.

The challenge in one image (without revealing the solution)

The scene: E is about to push a boulder that could  roll down a slope . At the bottom, D is stuck, only his head protruding. Next to him, a  tilting plank  supports another boulder on one side; under the other raised end, C is lying down. Further away, B and A are watching. The trick?  Ignore the background that distracts from the view  and focus on  the slope's axis , the plank's balance, and the expected behavior of the boulders.

Clues to look for: logic and everyday physical laws

Problem: where to begin when everything seems to be happening at once?

Solution:  prioritize the forces at play .

1. Gravity: the rock that E pushes will move downwards, not sideways.
2. The alignment: does it follow a path that skirts D, or does it touch it?
3. The plank: if a weight falls on one end, the other falls.
4. The second rock: if it is lifted, can it roll elsewhere?
   Visualize this like a recipe  : you pour, it presses, it tips over… and the rest becomes logical.

Step-by-step reasoning: who is in danger first?

Problem: The initial question asks who suffers the consequences first.
Solution: Ignoring the misleading ground markers,  the rock pushed by E descends in a straight line . Since D is positioned in the axis, it is D that first finds itself in difficulty.

Second effect: the shock causes the board to tip towards the other end, which lowers the part located above C —  the position of C then becomes the most exposed .

Third stage: the other end of the board lifts up, lightens the second rock and allows it to roll; on its trajectory, it is then B that is involved.

Conclusion, in order of adverse events  : D, then C, then B. A remains in the background, sheltered from the chain of actions.

Mental tip  : think "dominoes". When the first one falls, everything follows. Here, "domino" #1 is the slope; #2, the plank; #3, the second rock.

What this game reveals about your way of thinking

Problem: You hesitate, you change your mind, you see several possible scenarios?

Solution:  That's perfectly normal!  Your brain is exploring different avenues, like a director doing multiple takes.

The key is not to know everything about physics, but  to identify the triggering element (the slope) , to anticipate the reaction of the board, and then to follow the logic to the end.

A little tip to improve  : hide the "extraneous" elements of the drawing with your hand (or a sticky note) and reveal them gradually, like in an investigation.

Finally, compare your reasoning to the solution: if you found D > C > B,  well done!  Otherwise, replay the scene in slow motion —  like when you're whipping egg whites: with patience and regularity, the breakthrough will eventually come.