Ep 14. Sinking Titanic, Goldfish Memory, Trombone Explosion

In episode 14 of the first season of MythBusters, the team sets out to test three very different myths: Sinking Titanic, Goldfish Memory, and Trombone Explosion.

The first myth they tackle is whether or not the Titanic could have been saved if the crew had reacted differently to the iceberg. To test this, the team builds a scale model of the Titanic and a remote-controlled iceberg, and recreate the night of the disaster in a pool. They try several different scenarios, including steering away from the iceberg, reversing the engines, and slowing down. The results are surprising and reveal some interesting insights into what really happened on that fateful night.

Next, the team takes on the myth of goldfish memory. The myth claims that goldfish have a memory span of only three seconds. To test this, they build a giant goldfish tank and train some goldfish to navigate a maze. They then gradually increase the complexity of the maze to see how well the goldfish remember their way through it. The results are fascinating and challenge the commonly held belief that goldfish have poor memories.

Finally, the team explores the myth of the trombone explosion. This myth claims that if you play a certain note on a trombone, it can explode in your face. To test this, they enlist the help of a professional trombone player and build an explosive device that can measure the pressure inside the trombone. They then have the trombone player play a range of notes, including the one that supposedly causes explosions. The results are explosive, but not in the way you might expect.

Throughout the episode, the team uses their trademark scientific rigor and ingenuity to test each myth. They employ a wide range of tools and technologies, from remote-controlled icebergs to giant goldfish tanks, and bring a sense of fun and excitement to their experiments. The episode is filled with suspense, surprises, and plenty of laughs, and is a great example of what makes MythBusters such a popular and enduring show. By the end of the episode, viewers will have learned a lot about the science of sinking ships, goldfish memory, and the dangers of playing high notes on a trombone.