Ep 22. Exploding Lighter

In the 22nd episode of season 4 of Mythbusters, titled "Exploding Lighter," the team takes on three explosive myths. The first myth they tackle involves attempting to make a homemade rocket out of a lighter. To test this myth, they build different prototypes using various types of lighters and igniters and test them to see if they can actually launch a small rocket. Along the way, they encounter challenges such as dealing with the weight of the rocket and figuring out the best placement for the igniter.

The second myth the team explores is whether or not a gas station can actually explode if someone lights a cigarette. They begin by visiting a gas station and conducting some initial tests to see if there is a possibility of a spark traveling from a cigarette to the gasoline vapors in the air. They then set up a controlled environment to mimic the conditions inside a gas tank and test out their theory. The team uses a variety of methods, such as driving a car into the tank and breaking a gas pump, to see if any of these scenarios will actually cause an explosion.

The final myth in this episode involves the idea that someone can use a cell phone to cause a gas station explosion. To test this myth, the team sets up a miniature gas station and begins by trying to ignite the gasoline using the cell phone alone. They then add in additional factors such as static electricity and a gas leak to see if the cell phone can still ignite the gasoline. Along the way, they also test out other types of electronic devices to see if they can cause an explosion in a gas station.

Throughout the episode, the team encounters various challenges and obstacles, such as different types of igniters not working properly and difficulties getting the rocket to launch. They also encounter some surprising twists and results, demonstrating that even seemingly unlikely scenarios can sometimes be quite dangerous. For example, they discover that simply turning off a cell phone is not enough to prevent it from potentially causing an explosion.

Overall, Mythbusters season 4 episode 22 is a thrilling exploration of three different explosive myths. The team's experiments and tests are entertaining and informative, revealing both the potential risks involved in these scenarios and some surprising results that challenge common assumptions. Fans of the show, as well as anyone interested in science and engineering, are sure to enjoy this dynamic episode.