Ep 15. Breakstep Bridge

In season 2 episode 15 of MythBusters titled "Breakstep Bridge," the team takes on a challenging myth surrounding walking in rhythm across a bridge. The myth is that if a group of people walked in perfect synchronization, the bridge would start to sway and eventually collapse.

To test this theory, the team constructs a wooden bridge that measures 200 feet long and 7 feet wide. Through research, they find that the natural frequency of the bridge is around 2.5 hertz. If the frequency of the walking pace of the group matched the frequency of the bridge, it could lead to resonance and the collapse of the bridge.

The team conducts several experiments to test the myth. In one experiment, they use a group of volunteers to walk across the bridge at different paces. They measure the vibrations of the bridge using accelerometers to see if there is a correlation between the bridge's frequency and the walking pace. In another experiment, they add weight to the bridge to see how much weight it can handle before collapsing.

The team also consults with experts in engineering and physics to get a better understanding of the science behind the myth. They learn about the different types of forces that act on bridges, including wind and the weight of the bridge itself, and how these forces can affect the bridge's stability.

As they conduct various tests, the team faces several challenges. It proves difficult to get a group of people to walk in perfect synchronization, and they have to come up with creative ways to measure the bridge's vibrations accurately. Additionally, they face unexpected weather conditions that add an extra layer of difficulty to their experiments.

Throughout the episode, the team provides informative explanations and interesting facts about bridges and their construction. Viewers will learn about how bridges are designed to withstand various forces and how engineers and architects work together to create safe and stable structures.

In the end, the team is able to determine whether the myth is true or false through their experiments and research. Along the way, they provide interesting insights into the science of bridges and the various forces that can affect their stability.

Overall, season 2 episode 15 of MythBusters is an engaging and educational exploration of the science behind bridge stability and the idea of walking in rhythm across a bridge. Viewers will enjoy watching the team perform their experiments and learn something new about the world around them.