MythBusters Season 12 Episode 10
MythBusters
Season 12

Ep 10. Bubble Pack Plunge

  • TV-PG
  • June 3, 2012
  • 42 min
  • 6.8  (91)

In episode 10 of season 12, the MythBusters team attempts to tackle the age-old question: can you survive a fall with just a layer of bubble wrap to protect you? The team sets up a series of experiments to determine the effectiveness of bubble wrap as a cushion for a fall from a height of several stories.

First, they conduct a drop test with a weight made of the same materials as the average human body. They wrap the weight in several layers of bubble wrap and drop it from a height of 15 feet onto a concrete surface. The team checks to see if the bubble wrap is effective in reducing the impact of the fall. However, even with a thick layer of bubble wrap, the weight sustains significant damage and is deemed non-survivable.

Next, the MythBusters team tests the effects of falling from a greater height - 30 feet. They drop a dummy that is outfitted with bubble wrap from the height of a two-story building. The team measures the force of impact and examines the dummy for signs of survival. But the team is left with mixed results as the bubble wrap does not provide the level of protection necessary for human survival.

The team continues to explore the limits of bubble wrap by conducting a test with an actual human volunteer. They have the volunteer jump from a height of 30 feet onto a mat covered with bubble wrap. Although the volunteer is not hurt, the bubble wrap does not provide enough protection needed for a safe landing.

However, the MythBusters team doesn't give up yet. They try adding extra layers of bubble wrap and other materials, like cardboard and plywood, to see if this provides any additional protection. They test the materials using a professional stuntman who has jumped from great heights before. The team's goal is to provide maximum protection while keeping the stuntman's jump relatively safe. After several tests with various materials and multiple jumps, they discover a combination of bubble wrap, cardboard, and plywood that provides some level of protection to the stuntman.

As the episode progresses, the team explores various other bubble wrap-related myths, such as whether bubble wrap can make a car bulletproof and whether it can be used to make a boat. They also revisit a previous myth to determine whether a human can hang onto the edge of a cliff by their fingertips. By the end of the episode, the team has conducted several tests to determine the effectiveness of bubble wrap in various scenarios, ultimately providing valuable insights into this versatile packing material.

Overall, "Bubble Pack Plunge" offers an entertaining and informative look into the science of bubble wrap and its limits as a cushion against falls. The MythBusters team leaves viewers with some interesting takeaways about the benefits and limitations of this ubiquitous material.

Description
Watch MythBusters - Bubble Pack Plunge (s12 e10) Online - Watch online anytime: Buy, Rent
MythBusters, Season 12 Episode 10, is available to watch and stream on Discovery Channel. You can also buy, rent MythBusters on demand at Max, Discovery+, Amazon Prime, Philo, Amazon, Discovery, FuboTV, Microsoft Movies & TV, Google Play, Apple TV online.
  • First Aired
    June 3, 2012
  • Content Rating
    TV-PG
  • Runtime
    42 min
  • Language
    English
  • IMDB Rating
    6.8  (91)