puzzle 59 curious village

Puzzle 59: The Three Switches (from Professor Layton and the Curious Village) is a classic logic puzzle. Here's how it works: Problem: You are in a room with three light switches outside, each controlling one of three bulbs inside another room. You cant see the bulbs from the switches' location. You can flip the switches as much as you want, but once you open the door to the bulb room, you cannot change the switches again. How can you determine which switch controls which bulb with only one trip to the bulb room? Solution: Turn on the first switch and leave it on for 5 minutes. This will heat up the bulb it controls. After 5 minutes, turn off the first switch and quickly turn on the second switch. Immediately go to the bulb room. - The bulb that is on is controlled by the second switch. - The bulb that is off but warm is controlled by the first switch. - The bulb that is off and cold is controlled by the third switch. Why This Works: The first bulb heats up when the first switch is left on. Turning it off ensures only the second switch is active when you enter. The warmth (or lack thereof) tells you which switch controls which bulb. This puzzle tests your ability to use indirect clues (heat, not just light) to solve a problem. Would you like help with any other puzzles from Professor Layton?