At first glance, it looks like all three people are sharing the same heavy log.

Since they’re walking together and holding the same object, many people assume the weight is divided equally.

But that’s not how physics works.

Let’s analyze the puzzle step by step and find the correct answer.

The Puzzle

Three people—A, B, and C—are carrying a long wooden log.

A small sprout growing from the log marks approximately where its center is.

The question is:

Who is carrying the most weight?

Before reading further, make your guess.

• A
• B
• C

First Observation

The log appears to be:

• Straight
• Uniform in thickness
• Similar in density throughout

That means its center of mass is very close to the middle of the log.

Interestingly, the middle person (B) is standing almost directly beneath that center.

This is the biggest clue.

How Weight Is Shared

When multiple people support the same object, the weight isn’t always divided equally.

The amount each person carries depends on:

• Where the object’s center of mass is.
• Where each support point is located.
• How the object bends under its own weight.

Since the heaviest part of the log is around its center, the support closest to that point generally experiences the greatest load.

Looking at Each Person

Person A

A supports the left end of the log.

Because he’s farther from the center of mass, he carries only part of the load.

Result: Less than B.

Person B

B is positioned almost directly beneath the middle of the log.

The center of mass is closest to him.

This means he supports the greatest share of the log’s weight.

As the log naturally bends slightly under its own weight, the middle support also tends to take on more of the load.

Result: The largest share.

Person C

C supports the opposite end.

Like A, he helps stabilize the log but is farther from its center.

His share is smaller than B’s.

Result: Less than B.

Why Many People Guess Wrong

Many people think:

“There are three people, so each carries one-third.”

That would only be true if the weight were distributed perfectly evenly under very specific conditions.

In real life, the support closest to the object’s center of mass usually bears the greatest load.

The Physics

A long beam naturally transfers more force to supports near its center.

Engineers account for this when designing:

• Bridges
• Scaffolding
• Roof beams
• Heavy lifting equipment

The middle support often experiences the highest reaction force because it is closest to where gravity acts on the beam.

Real-Life Example

Imagine carrying a heavy sofa.

If one person grabs the middle while two others hold the ends, the person in the middle often feels more of the weight because they’re supporting the section closest to the center of mass.

The same idea applies here.

What This Puzzle Teaches

This brain teaser reminds us that:

• Weight isn’t always shared equally.
• The location of the center of mass matters.
• Understanding basic physics can solve many “logic” puzzles that seem confusing at first.

✅ Final Answer

🏆 The correct answer is: B.

Because B is positioned closest to the log’s center of mass, he carries the greatest share of the weight. The two people at the ends help support the log, but the middle support bears the largest load in this arrangement.