TED-Ed: Daniel Finkel: Can you solve the alien probe riddle?

The video tutorial explains the development of a probe made of 27 cube modules designed to study a monolith. The probe can self-assemble and requires special coatings for different environments: red for deep space, purple for RH-1729's atmosphere, and green for electric storms. The tutorial details a strategy for painting the cubes to ensure they can reassemble to show only one color at a time. The process involves painting the outside of the complete cube red, then breaking it into pieces and applying green and purple coatings symmetrically. The final assembly allows the probe to adapt to various environments, culminating in successful alien contact.

What is the primary function of the probe made of 27 cube modules?

• To analyze Earth's atmosphere

• To study a monolith in space

• To explore the ocean depths

• To investigate volcanic activity

Which coating is used to protect the probe from the cold of deep space?

• Red coating

• Orange coating

• Blue coating

• Yellow coating

How many faces are painted red on the complete cube before it is broken into pieces?

• 27 faces

• 36 faces

• 72 faces

• 54 faces

What is the purpose of painting the center cube half green and half purple?

• To make it the heaviest cube

• To make it the most visible cube

• To use it as a corner for each color cube

• To ensure it remains unpainted

How many edge cubes are needed in each color to complete the symmetrical painting?

• 6 edge cubes

• 10 edge cubes

• 4 edge cubes

• 8 edge cubes