Chemistry in Movies and TV: Breaking Bad Science or Fiction?

🧪Hydrofluoric acid (HF) is a weak acid and would not be the best choice for dissolving a body. Aqua regia, a mixture of nitric and hydrochloric acid, would be more effective.

🔬Gasoline could theoretically dissolve nonpolar substances like glue, but it's not the best choice due to its flammability and health hazards. There are safer alternatives available.

🌈The science behind making nylon, as seen in Spiderman, is accurate. Hydrogen peroxide and a catalyst like potassium iodide can indeed produce nylon strands.

💥Vibranium, the fictional element in Black Panther, doesn't resemble any known element on the periodic table. Its properties are purely imaginative.

⚗️While Breaking Bad showcases meth production, the safety measures depicted are generally accurate. However, attempting this at home is extremely dangerous and illegal.

Is hydrofluoric acid really that dangerous?

—Yes, hydrofluoric acid is highly toxic and can cause severe burns and tissue damage. It requires proper handling and protective equipment to prevent exposure.

Can gasoline dissolve anything else?

—Gasoline can dissolve certain substances due to its nonpolar nature. However, it's not recommended for practical purposes due to its flammability and health risks.

What other elements can dissolve glue?

—There are many solvents that can dissolve glue, such as acetone, isopropyl alcohol, or specialized adhesive removers. These options are safer and more effective than gasoline.

Is the science behind Spiderman's web-shooting accurate?

—The process of nylon production shown in Spiderman is scientifically accurate. However, creating web-shooters like Peter Parker's remains fictional and beyond current technology.

Can meth production be done safely?

—No, meth production is extremely dangerous and illegal. The depicted safety measures in Breaking Bad are accurate but should not be attempted by anyone without proper training and authorization.

00:00Introduction of Dr. Kate Bieberdorf, also known as Kate the Chemist, who will analyze chemistry scenes in movies and TV shows.

00:12Discussion on the accuracy of dissolving a body using hydrofluoric acid. Aqua regia is a better choice due to its stronger acidity.

02:24Evaluation of gasoline's ability to dissolve glue. While possible, gasoline's flammability and health risks make it an unsafe option compared to other solvents.

04:47Analysis of the science behind creating nylon, as seen in Spiderman. Hydrogen peroxide and a catalyst can indeed produce nylon strands.

08:32Insights into the fictional element vibranium from Black Panther and its properties. Vibranium does not correspond to any known element in the real world.

10:56Discussion on the accuracy of meth production as depicted in Breaking Bad. While the safety measures shown are generally accurate, attempting meth production at home is extremely dangerous and illegal.