SUNDAY PUZZLE #40

When two atoms meet they interact as shown in the example.
Following this rule, if a train of atoms slides over another train of atoms as shown, what will be the resulting color of each single atom (a up to j, see the picture)?
Is there an algorithm to solve the puzzle?
Lorsque 2 atomes se rencontrent ils interagissent comme illustré dans l’exemple.
Si un train d’atomes glisse au-dessus d’un autre train d’atomes (voir illustration), quel sera le résultat final de chaque atome en termes de couleur?
Quando 2 atomi si incontrano interagiscono come illustrato nell’esempio.
Se il treno di atomi illustrato qui sotto scorre sull’altro treno di atomi, sapreste dire quale sarà il colore finale di ogni atomo?

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Solution
(R = Red, W = White)
The bottom row FGHIJ becomes RWRWR because each times an atom passes on top the atoms of the train invert their color. The top row ABCDE becomes RRRRR because the R atoms never change their own color, while the W atoms change their color if and only if they meet a R atom. Since, when they slide over the bottom row the last atom is always R (see picture below), they will at the end turn R.

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Archimedes Laboratory Project™ Puzzles & Mental Activities that Enhance Critical and Creative Thinking Skills

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