MythBusters Season 8 Episode 29 Episode 29
- May 26, 2014
- 49 min
MythBusters is a popular American television show that aims to put to the test various popular myths and urban legends to determine whether they are true, false, or somewhere in between. Season 8 episode 29 titled "Episode 29" is no exception, as the MythBusters crew tackles a series of intriguing myths that have captured the public's imagination for years.
The episode begins with the myth that claims that a person can build a working jetpack using off-the-shelf parts. The hosts Adam Savage and Jamie Hyneman take up the challenge by gathering all the necessary equipment and resources to put together a prototype of a jetpack. Despite some initial setbacks, the pair manages to come up with a functional jetpack that they then put to the test, flying it around the workshop and experimenting with its limitations. However, the experiment raises a few questions about the practicality and safety of such a device, and the MythBusters discuss their findings with a professional jetpack manufacturer to determine whether this myth is plausible or not.
The next myth the MythBusters focus on is the oft-repeated notion that an arrow fired straight up into the air can come back down and kill a person. To test this myth, Adam and Jamie visit a remote location and shoot arrows straight up into the sky, using various configurations and types of arrows. Using high-speed cameras, the team tracks the arrows' trajectories as they shoot upwards and start falling back down to earth, recording the velocity and force of impact once they land. The results are surprising and challenge the popular conception of what happens when an arrow is fired straight up into the sky.
The third myth explored in this episode involves the claim that a person can extinguish a fire with nothing but his or her bare hands. To test this claim, Adam and Jamie create a small fire in a controlled environment and try to snuff it out by using various techniques, including slapping, clapping, and smothering it with a blanket. They then evaluate the effectiveness of these methods, comparing them to using a firefighting extinguisher and other professional equipment. The results are again revealing and demonstrate the power and unpredictability of fire.
In the final myth tackled in this episode, the MythBusters attempt to determine whether a person's hair can be set on fire by static electricity. To test this myth, Adam and Jamie use a static electricity generator to create varying charges and zap each other with increasing strength. They also discuss the scientific principles behind the creation and movement of static electricity and consult with experts to understand the potential dangers of static shocks in everyday life. The experiment leads to some hair-raising moments and interesting insights into the nature of static electricity.
Overall, MythBusters Season 8 Episode 29 is a thrilling and informative episode that showcases the creativity, ingenuity, and scientific curiosity of the MythBusters crew. Through their rigorous testing and experimentation, they shed light on some of the most captivating myths and urban legends, challenging conventional wisdom and revealing the truth behind them. Whether you are a long-time fan of the series or a newcomer to the show, this episode is sure to entertain and fascinate you.