Ep 2. Newton's Crane Cradle

In MythBusters season 11 episode 2, titled "Newton's Crane Cradle," the team sets out to tackle two myths related to Sir Isaac Newton. The first is the popular belief that an apple falling on Newton's head led him to discover the laws of gravity. The second myth is that Newton designed a crane cradle to lift stones for the construction of his famous observatory.

To test the apple myth, the team constructs a replica of an apple tree and uses a dummy head to represent Newton. They drop a variety of objects, including apples and coconuts, from different heights to see if any could cause a significant impact. They also use a special camera to measure the velocity of the objects as they fall. The team then takes their findings to an orchard to try and recreate the conditions that led to the original apple hitting Newton.

Next, the team moves on to the crane cradle myth. They build a replica of the crane using materials that would have been available during Newton's time. They then attempt to lift different weights with the crane, including stones that were similar in size to what would have been used in the observatory's construction. The team also looks at historical documents to try to gain insight into how the crane would have been used and how many workers would have been required to operate it.

Throughout the episode, the MythBusters use their signature blend of science and experimentation to test the accuracy of these myths. The team's goal is not only to determine whether these stories are true, but also to shed light on the scientific principles at the heart of each myth. As always, the episode is full of fascinating insights and surprising discoveries. Whether you're a fan of science or just love a good myth-busting tale, "Newton's Crane Cradle" is sure to leave you entertained and enlightened.