Ep 13. Snow Special
- TVPG
- June 20, 2007
- 41 min
-
7.7 (126)
In season 5 episode 13 of Mythbusters, the team takes on the challenge of tackling several winter myths in their "Snow Special" episode. Throughout the episode, the Mythbusters set out to discover the truth behind some of the most elusive winter myths that have circulated for years.
The episode begins with a segment on whether or not a highway patrolman can really hide behind a snowman and not be seen by speeding drivers. The team sets out to build their own life-size snowman and place a highway patrolman behind it to see if it provides adequate cover. The Mythbusters also conduct experiments to determine whether heavy snow can destroy a car and whether, in fact, there is a specific type of snow that is best for building snowmen.
Another interesting segment of the show involves the team testing out the myth that a person's tongue can get stuck to a frozen metal pole. The myth is tested by having one of the Mythbusters stick their tongue to a metal pole in freezing temperatures. The team examines this myth to see if it's possible and what the science behind it might be.
In another experiment, the Mythbusters tackle the myth that a hot water cannon can melt away a snowbank. This myth is famous in the Northern areas of the US where snow is a daily occurrence, and the team sets out to see if they can make a homemade hot water cannon and determine if it can clear snow as effectively as people have claimed.
Additionally, the team takes on the challenge of testing whether you can create a homemade snowplow out of a bicycle and a snow shovel. This myth is put to the test in a race against a traditional snowplow to see which method is most efficient at clearing snow.
Finally, the episode takes a look at the science behind a unique phenomenon known as the "snow globe effect," wherein snow settles slowly inside a glass enclosure, resembling the effect of a shaken snow globe. The team explores the physical principles behind this effect and determine whether it's possible to replicate it in a laboratory setting.
Throughout the show, the Mythbusters use their signature approach of scientific experimentation and expert knowledge to determine the truth behind each of these winter myths. They use high-tech equipment and plenty of trial and error to come to their conclusions, and viewers get a glimpse of the scientific process in action.
Overall, the "Snow Special" episode of Mythbusters is a fascinating journey into the world of winter myths, offering viewers a chance to learn something new about the science behind the season. The episode is informative, entertaining, and sure to pique the curiosity of both science enthusiasts and casual viewers alike.