MythBusters Mini Myths Season 1 Episode 12 Falling Icicle

MythBusters Mini Myths is a thrilling and intriguing science-based television series that explores popular beliefs and puts them to the test. In this unique series, the scientific minds of Adam Savage and Jamie Hyneman, along with their team, dig deep to uncover the truth behind popular myths and urban legends. Season 1, Episode 12 titled "Falling Icicle" involves testing the myth that a falling icicle can be fatal.

The episode begins with the team setting up a mini myth experiment to put the falling icicle myth to the test. They create a mock-up of a house roof with a gutter system, which they use to simulate the icicle's fall. The goal of the experiment is to determine whether an icicle falling from a rooftop can cause enough damage to be fatal.

After setting up the mock house, the team begins their experiments by installing a ladder on the roof. Adam Savage climbs up the ladder to the roof and then drops an icicle from different heights to the ground. The team then measures the impact force generated by the falling icicles using a force gauge to determine the potential damage caused. They also evaluate the icicles' size, shape, and mass, as these factors can make a difference in the damage they cause upon impact.

Throughout the experiment, the team tries different types of icicles, ranging from small to large and comparing how the results differ between them. They also try different methods of falling for the icicles to determine whether falling straight or at an angle makes a difference in the damage caused.

To make the experiment even more realistic, the team decides to test on a human head form. They position the head against a wall, and the icicles fall onto it to test if it can lead to a fatal head injury. The team even adds a sound effect of a skull cracking, to illustrate the severity of the potential injury.

After completing their experiments, the team is ready to present their findings and conclusions. They explain the type of icicle that can cause the most damage and the height it must fall from to be potentially fatal. They also explain why a falling icicle would break into smaller pieces instead of piercing through the head or skull.

In conclusion, this episode of MythBusters Mini Myths puts the falling icicle myth to the test. Through their experiments, the team determines whether an icicle falling from a rooftop can cause enough damage to be fatal. The team provides an in-depth analysis of what sort of icicle size and mass can be the most dangerous. They also answer the critical question of what sort of damage can be expected if someone happens to be hit by a falling icicle. The episode is an excellent example of the scientific method and critical thinking while debunking popular myths and legends using scientific evidence.