Outrageous Acts Of Science Season 5 Episode 6 Wild Rides
- TV-14
- February 13, 2016
- 43 min
Wild Rides is the sixth episode of season 5 of Outrageous Acts of Science, a show that explores the science behind some of the most outlandish and insane stunts ever attempted by humans. Each episode features a team of scientists and engineers who use cutting-edge technology and their own wits to break down the mechanics of these incredible feats, explaining how they work and why they don't always go as planned.
In Wild Rides, the show takes a look at some of the most extreme and outrageous rides ever invented, from jet-powered skateboards and rocket-propelled bicycles to high-speed roller coasters and death-defying water slides. Through a series of tests and demonstrations, the team of experts reveals the physics behind these thrill rides, explaining the forces at play and the ways in which the riders must balance speed, gravity, and their own bodies to stay safe and in control.
The first segment of the episode features a group of daredevils who attempt to break the world record for the longest human slingshot launch. Using a giant elastic cord and a specially-designed harness, the riders are catapulted through the air at incredible speeds, soaring over rivers and valleys before landing safely on the other side. The science team breaks down the mechanics of the launch, explaining how the elasticity of the cord and the angle of the launch determine the rider's trajectory and speed.
Next up, the show takes a look at the world's fastest roller coaster, the Formula Rossa. Located in Abu Dhabi, this coaster can reach speeds of up to 150 miles per hour, thanks to its powerful hydraulic launch system and its track design, which uses forceful twists and turns to create intense g-forces on the riders. The show's experts analyze the coaster's design and operation, revealing the physics of acceleration, friction, and inertia that make it possible for the riders to experience such extreme speeds.
The third segment of the episode focuses on the history of the water slide, from its humble beginnings as a makeshift backyard contraption to its evolution into a multi-billion dollar industry. Using high-speed cameras and special sensors, the science team reveals the forces at play when a rider goes down a water slide, including the effects of gravity, friction, and water pressure. They also examine the safety features that have been developed to prevent injuries and accidents, including the use of computer simulations and crash test dummies.
The final segment of the episode features a group of thrill-seekers who attempt to break the world record for the longest distance travelled on a jet-powered skateboard. Using a modified skateboard fitted with a small jet engine, the riders race across a runway, reaching speeds of up to 120 miles per hour and jumping over ramps and obstacles along the way. The science team analyzes the skateboard's design and operation, explaining the principles of thrust and fuel consumption that make jet engines work, and discussing the safety precautions that must be taken when attempting such an extreme stunt.
Throughout Wild Rides, the team of experts provides in-depth analysis and commentary on the science behind each stunt, highlighting the cutting-edge technology and engineering that make these outlandish acts possible. Whether you're a science enthusiast or a thrill-seeker yourself, this episode of Outrageous Acts of Science will have you on the edge of your seat, as you watch some of the most incredible and awe-inspiring stunts ever attempted by humans.