Ep 5. Franklin's Kite

In the fifth episode of the fourth season of Mythbusters, the team takes on one of the most iconic stories in American history, Franklin's Kite. The legend claims that Benjamin Franklin flew a kite during a thunderstorm and discovered that lightning was electrical. The team sets out to test whether this is actually true or just a myth.

To begin their experiment, Adam and Jamie construct their own kite from the same materials that Franklin would have used, including a silk handkerchief and a key tied to the end of the string. They then set it up in a storm simulator, complete with thunder and lightning.

Initially, they have trouble getting their kite to fly, but with the help of a wind machine, they manage to get it airborne. Once in the air, they use a piece of copper wire to transfer any electrical charge from the atmosphere to the key on the end of the string. They then wait for a lightning strike to see if the key will be charged.

Next, the team turns their attention to testing whether a lightning strike could actually have provided enough energy to shock Franklin's body and knock him out. To simulate this, they build a dummy with a heart monitor and attach it to a metal rod. They then run a current through the rod to see if it can replicate the effects of a lightning strike.

Finally, the team tests whether lightning striking a metal object in a house could actually start a fire. To do this, they build a scale model of a house and install lightning rods on either side. They then strike the house with a bolt of lightning and see if it ignites.

Throughout the episode, the team encounters a number of challenges, including getting their kite to fly and capturing a lightning strike on camera. They also have to contend with some unexpected results, such as the fact that Franklin's original experiment may not have been as successful as he claimed.

Overall, the episode offers a fascinating look at one of history's most enduring legends and provides some surprising insights into the science of lightning. Whether you're a fan of science, history, or just good old-fashioned mythology, this episode of Mythbusters is sure to entertain and educate.