MythBusters Season 4 Episode 14 Shattering Subwoofer
- TVPG
- August 9, 2006
- 49 min
-
7.4 (130)
In the 14th episode of season 4 of Mythbusters, titled "Shattering Subwoofer," the team takes on the myth that a powerful enough sound system can shatter a car's windshield. The episode kicks off with a bang – literally – as the Mythbusters team tests different levels of bass and sound pressure levels on inanimate objects like glass cups and eggs.
From there, they move on to testing the myth that a subwoofer can shatter a car's windshield. They begin by installing a subwoofer in a car and playing increasingly loud and powerful bass tests, measuring the sound pressure level at each stage. As they ramp up the volume, the team attempts to detect any cracks in the windshield using a polariscope, a device that can identify stress on the glass.
When they don't detect any cracks, the team decides to escalate their experiment by using a Canon 5D camera to record the windshield as the bass tests continue. Despite playing incredibly loud and powerful sounds, the windshield doesn't shatter. This leads the team to hypothesize that the myth may be false.
However, they're not ready to give up just yet. In order to test the myth to the fullest extent possible, the team sets up an amplifier system that can output up to 155 decibels of sound, which is equivalent to standing next to a jet engine during takeoff. They also bring in a few cars to test different types of windshields and see if any can withstand the powerful bass.
In a series of thrilling tests, the Mythbusters team blasts the cars with the powerful sound system, observing each windshield as the bass reaches peak levels. The show features plenty of slow-motion footage of the windshields bending and twisting under the strain of the sound, making for incredibly satisfying television.
Along the way, the team also tests other common car myths, like whether it's possible to stop a car by shooting out its tires and whether an airbag explosion can knock a person out. As always, these experiments are conducted with plenty of humor, heart, and elaborate set pieces designed to keep viewers engaged.
At the end of the episode, the team comes to a conclusion about the myth, revealing once and for all whether or not a subwoofer can shatter a car's windshield. Fans of the show will be thrilled to see the classic Mythbusters format in action, complete with plenty of scientific rigor, stunning visuals, and of course – explosions!