Ep 6. More Myths Reopened

In season 5 episode 6 of Mythbusters, titled "More Myths Reopened," hosts Adam Savage and Jamie Hyneman take on a number of popular myths to determine whether they are true or false.

The episode begins with the hosts revisiting an old myth - can a penny dropped from the top of the Empire State Building kill a person below? They set up a small-scale experiment to test the velocity of a penny dropped from various heights, and then extrapolate the results to determine if a penny could actually be lethal.

Next, they investigate the myth that a compressed air gun made from PVC pipe is powerful enough to launch a potato through a tree trunk. After building the gun and testing it out, they try a number of different projectiles to see which will provide the best results.

Another myth they tackle is whether sharks can be deterred by the smell of a dead shark. They rig up a shark-shaped decoy filled with dead bait and submerge it in a shark-infested area to see if the decoy will attract or repel the predators.

In addition to these experiments, the hosts also revisit the myth that a certain amount of force can cause a person to be "blown away" - a myth that they previously deemed as busted. This time around, they set up a more comprehensive experiment to test the limits of physical resilience and determine if a person could truly be knocked off their feet by a strong gust of wind.

Throughout the episode, the hosts employ their signature mix of scientific rigour and playful enthusiasm to engage viewers and demonstrate the scientific method at work. By the end of each experiment, they deliver a verdict on each myth and offer insights into the scientific principles underlying their conclusions.

Overall, "More Myths Reopened" is a fun, engaging episode that showcases the Mythbusters' unique approach to scientific inquiry while debunking some popular misconceptions along the way.