Ep 5. Do Try this at Home

MythBusters season 15 episode 5, titled "Do Try this at Home," takes viewers on another exhilarating ride as the team of expert hosts, Adam Savage and Jamie Hyneman, attempt to separate fact from fiction by testing a range of myths, urban legends, and popular science theories. This episode, filled with awe-inspiring experiments and explosive results, pushes the boundaries of what is possible and encourages viewers to try some of these experiments at home.

As always, safety is of paramount importance, but with the appropriate precautions, Adam and Jamie believe that some of the everyday myths and science experiments can be safely conducted in the comfort of our own homes. In this episode, they specifically select a few intriguing myths that can be easily replicated, ensuring that viewers get a firsthand experience of the experiment's outcomes.

The episode begins with an investigation into the age-old myth that suggests it is impossible to chop down a tree with just a bullet. Adam and Jamie take on this challenge by gathering an arsenal of high-powered weapons and ammunition. They use various calibers, ranging from handguns to rifles, to determine the minimum bullet velocity required to successfully fell a tree. Their daring experiment showcases the immense power and capabilities of firearms and challenges the perception of what a bullet can achieve.

In another segment, Adam and Jamie explore a myth associated with everyday objects in our homes. The myth proposes that certain combinations of ordinary items can transform into dangerous explosives. With safety in mind, they choose safe alternatives and recreate the experiments in a controlled environment. Through their meticulous testing, they explore chemical reactions and reactions caused by mixing household products, aiming to educate viewers about potential hazards and precautions to take while experimenting with common household items.

Additionally, the hosts investigate the notion that it is possible to blow up a water heater using nothing but a stick of dynamite. With safety measures in place, Adam and Jamie push the boundaries of destruction by combining explosive materials to see if a water heater can be turned into a projectile. This hair-raising experiment promises unforgettable moments, leaving viewers marveling at the forces involved and potential dangers of mishandling explosives.

Moving forward, the episode delves into the world of pyrotechnics. Adam and Jamie tackle the myth that states a series of sparklers can be combined to form the explosive power equivalent to a stick of dynamite. Through creative experimentation and meticulous engineering, they venture into the chemistry and physics behind fireworks. By combining various pyrotechnic elements, they unlock the secrets of sparklers and discover whether this myth holds any truth.

Finally, the episode explores an intriguing food myth that suggests it is possible to cook shrimp using only an air cannon. Adam and Jamie turn their attention to culinary experimentation, loading up an air cannon with raw shrimp and experimenting with different propellants. They aim to determine if the sheer force and heat generated by the air cannon can be harnessed to prepare a delicious shrimp dish. Through precise calculations and tests, they provide insight into the depths of projectile cooking.

MythBusters season 15 episode 5, "Do Try this at Home," offers a thrilling and educational experience for viewers, showcasing various myths that can be safely reproduced in the comfort of their own homes. Packed with explosive experiments, the hosts masterfully blend science, ingenuity, and creativity as they challenge common perceptions and venture into uncharted territories.