Ep 7. Voice Flame Extinguisher

In the popular TV show Mythbusters, season 5 episode 7 is titled "Voice Flame Extinguisher." This episode features the Mythbusters team exploring the concept of using sound waves to extinguish a fire.

The episode begins with the Mythbusters team discussing the idea of using sound waves to put out a fire. They acknowledge that sound waves have the ability to move objects and even break glass, so they question if it is possible that they could also extinguish a flame. The team decides to test this theory by creating a series of experiments to see if sound waves can be used to put out fires.

In the first experiment, the team creates a horizontal speaker array which they use to produce sound waves at a frequency of 30,000 Hz. They then light a small fire and position it in front of the speaker array. However, despite the high frequency of the sound waves, the fire remains burning. They then try the same experiment again with a larger speaker array as well as multiple speakers and still, the fire is not extinguished.

The team then decides to try a different approach and creates a device which they call the "voice flame extinguisher." The device is essentially a large horn with a microphone attached to it. When sound is produced through the horn, it is focused on the fire and the frequency is modulated until the optimal frequency is found to put out the flame.

To test the effectiveness of the voice flame extinguisher, the team sets up a series of experiments using different types of fires including a small oil fire, a larger gasoline fire, and a fire that has been burning for an extended period of time. In each experiment, the voice flame extinguisher was able to put out the fire effectively.

After the series of experiments, the team determines that while sound waves can be used to extinguish a fire, it is not practical to use this method in real-life fire situations due to the limitations of the equipment required. However, the team acknowledges that the concept could still have applications in industries such as firefighting and industrial fire suppression.

Overall, this episode of Mythbusters provides a fascinating look into the science of sound waves and their effects on fire. The team's experiments and demonstrations are both informative and entertaining, making for an enjoyable experience for viewers.