Ep 4. Ancient Death Ray, Skunk Cleaning, What Is Bulletproof?

In the second season of the popular science show, Mythbusters, episode 4, titled "Ancient Death Ray, Skunk Cleaning, What is Bulletproof?" the team of experts tackle three unique and often puzzling conundrums.

First, they delve into the myth of the ancient death ray, which is said to be a weapon that was capable of firing a beam of light that could immediately zap and kill any person in its path. The team wants to know if such a weapon could have existed, and if so, whether it would have worked as expected. They explore ancient texts and designs, conduct experiments with mirrors and lenses, and even create their version of the weapon to test its efficacy.

Next, the Mythbusters take on a house cleaning challenge – how to get rid of the notorious skunk smell. They investigate various home remedies and commercial products, such as tomato juice, vinegar, and hydrogen peroxide, to determine which one is the most effective at de-stinking a room after a skunk has sprayed. They also look into the science behind why skunk oil is so potent and why it is so tough to remove.

Finally, the team dives into the world of bulletproof armor. They test whether body armor can effectively stop a bullet, and how well different types of body armor fare against different types of ammo. They also explore the history of bulletproof vests and the development of modern ceramic plates that are designed to stop high-powered rifles.

Throughout the show, viewers are taken on an exciting and informative journey as the experts conduct experiments, analyze data, and draw their conclusions based on science and empirical evidence. The season 2 episode 4 of Mythbusters is a must-watch for anyone who loves to unravel mysteries and is curious about how things work.