Ep 8. Thermite vs. Ice

In the seventh season of Mythbusters, episode 8, the focus shifts to the age-old battle between fire and ice. The episode is titled "Thermite vs. Ice", and it pits two of the most extreme elements against one another in a bid to see which one comes out on top.

The show starts out with a bang as the team begins by exploring the effects of liquid nitrogen on various materials. The team is on a mission to determine if liquid nitrogen is capable of freezing a lock to the point of being brittle enough to break.

While this experiment may seem simple, it's anything but. The team approaches the challenge with the same methodology that's made them so successful over the years. They come up with a clear hypothesis, test it thoroughly, and collect data using specialized equipment.

The results of the experiment are truly jaw-dropping and will leave viewers amazed at the destructive power of cold temperatures.

But, as the saying goes, there's no rest for the wicked. Once they finish experimenting with liquid nitrogen, they move on to their next challenge: can thermite burn its way through a block of ice?

For those who are not familiar with thermite, it's a pyrotechnic composition made up of a metal powder and a metal oxide. When combined, these two elements create a chemical reaction that produces an incredible amount of heat. In fact, the reaction is so intense that thermite is often used in demolition projects to cut through steel.

In this episode of Mythbusters, the team wants to see if thermite can melt through a block of ice. This might seem like a straightforward challenge, but there are several variables at play. The team wants to know things like how fast the thermite will burn, how much it needs to melt the ice, and if it will explode when contacting water.

With the experiment set up and the cameras rolling, the team ignites the thermite and watches it burn. At first, it seems to be doing nothing, but as it heats up, the ice starts to melt. But it's not just the ice that's affected. The heat from the thermite causes the water to expand rapidly and explode outwards, completely destroying the ice block.

Despite the danger and unpredictability of the experiment, the Mythbusters team undertakes this challenge with their trademark professionalism. They use a combination of safety gear and remote equipment to ensure that everyone remains safe while the experiment is conducted.

As usual, it's not enough to know that something works; they want to know why it works. The team dives deep into the scientific reasons behind why thermite is so effective at melting through various materials, and what makes it such a powerful tool for demolition experts.

The show concludes with the team summarizing their findings and revealing the surprising results of their experiment. It's a stunning display of fire and ice coming together, with one emerging victorious over the other.

Season 7, episode 8 of Mythbusters is a must-watch for anyone interested in science, chemistry, or the intense power of destructive forces. It's an episode full of surprises, revelations, and jaw-dropping moments that are sure to leave viewers in awe.