MythBusters · Video summary
Could Timing A Jump Save You From An Explosion's Blast Wave? | MythBusters
The Mythbusters investigate a classic action movie trope: can a hero outrun an explosion and use the shockwave to propel themselves further through the air? They put this myth to the test with crash test dummies, long jump experiments, and various explosives.
Watch on YouTube ↗Key takeaways
- 🎬The myth being tested is whether a hero can use an explosion's shockwave to propel themselves further during a jump, a common trope in action movies.00:20
- ⏱️Kari and Tory's long jump baseline tests showed an average hangtime of only about half a second, making precise explosion timing challenging.03:53
- 🚀The nitrogen cannon successfully launched Buster 25 feet with a one-second hangtime, providing a suitable setup for the explosive tests.08:25
- 💥Despite using 10 pounds of C4 and later 25 pounds of ANFO, Buster's jump distance remained consistently at 27 feet, showing no boost from the shockwave.11:32
- ⛵Even with a large sail attached to Buster to increase surface area, the 100-pound ANFO explosion failed to propel him further than his unassisted jump.22:33
- ❌The Mythbusters conclude that the myth is busted: it's not possible to 'surf' a shockwave from an explosion to gain extra distance in a jump.22:44
The digest
Hollywood action movies often feature heroes performing incredible feats, like leaping away from an explosion and being propelled to safety by the resulting shockwave. But is this dramatic escape rooted in scientific reality, or is it pure cinematic fantasy? The Mythbusters set out to determine if a shockwave from an explosion can actually push a person further than they could jump on their own.
The Hollywood Myth: Surfing the Blast
The myth originates from countless action films where the protagonist, facing an imminent explosion, times a jump perfectly. Just as the blast detonates, the shockwave supposedly catches them mid-air, giving them an extraordinary boost that allows them to clear obstacles or escape danger. The Mythbusters aim to replicate this scenario to see if such a superhuman jump is truly possible.
Keep reading in The Digest
The full 3-minute article, 4 more sections, and every new episode from MythBusters and the creators you follow.
- Establishing a Baseline: The Human Long Jump
- Buster's Boost: The Nitrogen Cannon
- Explosive Experiments: C4 and ANFO
- The Final Attempt: A Larger Surface Area
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