Chapter 12, Problem 12.140QP

Here is an after-dinner trick. With guests still sitting at the table, the host provided each of them with a glass of water containing an ice cube floating on top and a piece of string about 2–3 in. in length. He then asked them to find a way to lift the ice cube without touching it by hand or using any other objects such as a spoon or fork. Explain how this task can be accomplished. (Hint: The table had not been cleared so the salt and pepper shakers were still there.)