Can a Sonic Boom Break Glass? MythBusters Investigate!

TLDRAdam and Jamie of MythBusters test the myth that a sonic boom can break glass using firearms and supersonic jets. They find that neither human speed nor a sonic boom can break glass, debunking the myth.

Key insights

🔍Human speed cannot curve a bullet or break glass.

💥A sonic boom from a bullet shot at human speed does not break glass.

🚀Supersonic jets do produce sonic booms, but they also do not break glass.

🪜The myth from the movie Wanted, where bullets can be curved, is proven false.

🧪The experiments conducted by MythBusters provide scientific evidence that debunk the myth.

Q&A

Can a sonic boom break glass?

No, based on the experiments conducted by MythBusters, neither human speed nor a sonic boom can break glass.

Is it possible to curve bullets like in the movie Wanted?

No, the myth depicted in the movie Wanted, where bullets can be curved around obstacles, has been proven false.

What happens when a bullet goes supersonic?

When a bullet travels faster than the speed of sound, it creates a sonic boom, but the boom itself does not have the force to break glass.

Can supersonic jets break glass with their sonic booms?

No, while supersonic jets produce sonic booms, the booms do not have enough force to break glass.

Are there any real-life superhuman abilities to curve bullets?

No, there are no known real-life abilities to curve bullets. The concept of curving bullets is purely fictional.

Timestamped Summary

00:00Introduction to the episode. MythBusters investigate the myth of a sonic boom breaking glass.

01:29Discussion on sonic booms and their potential to break glass.

03:17Adam's training flight in a supersonic jet.

05:47The team prepares to test the myth using firearms and a swinging robot.

11:52Testing the myth of curving bullets.

18:44Testing the myth of a sonic boom breaking glass using firearms.

23:29Results of the experiments show that neither human speed nor a sonic boom can break glass.

24:58Discussion on the need to modify the experiments and test the myth again.