Ep 4. Helium Football

In season 4 episode 4 of Mythbusters, entitled "Helium Football," the hosts Adam Savage and Jamie Hyneman take on a series of new myths and urban legends to test their validity. The episode is focused on testing the effects of helium on a football and the difference it makes to the flight of the ball. The duo is joined by a group of high school football players who are eager to see if helium can really help them throw farther and higher in a game.

The first myth that Adam and Jamie investigate is whether a football filled with helium can be thrown farther than a regular football. To test this, Adam and Jamie create two identical footballs with the only difference being the gas filled inside. After marking a distance on the field, they take turns throwing the two footballs and measuring the distance they each travel. The results are surprising, and the hosts dive deeper to understand the science behind why helium produces such results.

Next, the team investigates whether helium can help a quarterback throw a higher pass. They set up a large target on the field and have the high school players take turns throwing both a regular football and a helium-filled football at the target. The results are again unexpected and leave the hosts with a new appreciation for the use of helium in footballs.

In addition to testing these myths related to helium and football, the hosts also tackle a few other myths. One of the biggest challenges they face is testing the myth that a drone can fly a person. Adam and Jamie build their own drone capable of lifting a human and recruit Adam's assistant, Tory Belleci, to be the test subject. The results are both funny and fascinating, and the team once again takes a deep dive into the science behind what makes a drone capable of lifting a person.

Another myth they explore is that a person can scale up a building using only the suction from vacuum cleaners. The team tests this theory in a lab using vacuum cleaners and various surfaces, and the results are both surprising and informative.

Throughout the episode, the hosts use their signature mix of scientific inquiry and humor to keep the viewer engaged and entertained. They break down the myths into their individual components to understand the science behind them. They measure and test every aspect of these myths and come to surprising and sometimes humorous conclusions.

Overall, "Helium Football" is an enjoyable and engaging episode of Mythbusters that explores some unexpected and fascinating myths related to football, drones, and suction. The team's approach to scientific inquiry and experimentation keeps the viewer invested and entertained. This episode is a must-watch for both football fans and science enthusiasts alike.