Can a Falling Coin Actually Kill You?

TLDRContrary to popular myth, a coin dropped from the Empire State Building won't be traveling fast enough to cause harm. However, if the coin is thrown with force and spin, it can be deadly. In this video, we test the impact of a falling coin and discover its terminal velocity. We also explore different methods of launching coins and their potential for harm. The results are surprising.

Key insights

🪙Dropping a coin from the Empire State Building won't kill you due to its low terminal velocity.

💥Throwing a coin with force and spin can increase its potential to cause harm.

⚡️Coins designed with sharp points or heavy weight, like the Australian 50 cent coin, can be more dangerous.

The terminal velocity of a coin can be affected by its shape and size.

🤔Different launching methods, such as using spear guns or drones, can increase the impact of falling coins.

Q&A

Is it true that a penny dropped from the Empire State Building can kill you?

No, that's a common myth. Pennies dropped from the Empire State Building fall with low velocity and won't cause harm.

Can a coin be lethal if thrown with force?

Yes, if a coin is thrown with enough force and spin, it can potentially cause harm.

Are heavier coins more dangerous than lighter ones?

Coins with a heavier weight can potentially cause more harm, especially if they have sharp points or a specific design.

Can the shape and size of a coin affect its terminal velocity?

Yes, the shape and size of a coin can impact its terminal velocity and, consequently, its potential for causing harm.

What are some launching methods that can increase the impact of falling coins?

Methods like using spear guns or dropping coins from drones can increase the impact and potential harm of falling coins.

Timestamped Summary

00:00Testing the myth of a penny dropped from the Empire State Building.

03:39Creating a wind tunnel to measure the terminal velocity of coins.

06:03Using spear guns and other devices to launch coins at high speeds.

09:59Testing the impact of falling coins on different materials, including plywood and a pig's head.

12:14Using a drone to drop coins from a height and observing their impact.