“Unpacking the Physics of Hollywood’s Most Thrilling Scenes: A Deep Dive into the Science Behind the Action”
Imagine yourself in the midst of a high-octane action sequence, bullets flying, punches landing, and cars crashing in a spectacular display of cinematic chaos. As you watch, your heart racing with every twist and turn, you might wonder – what makes these scenes so believable, so thrilling, and so memorable? The answer lies in the intricate marriage of storytelling, special effects, and physics.
Unpacking the Physics of a Hit TV Show: Examining the Airbag Scene in “Reacher”
Understanding the Scenario
In an early second-season episode of the TV series “Reacher,” the titular protagonist apprehends a villain sitting in a parked car by kicking the front grille, triggering the airbag. While it’s certainly a dramatic stunt for TV, how possible would it be to pull it off in real life?
Morningpicker spoke with Gregory DiLisi and Richard A. Rarick, authors of the article “Jack Reacher and the Deployment of an Airbag” in The Physics Teacher, to learn more about the physics involved in the scene.
The TV Scene: Breaking Down the Action
In the scene, Reacher approaches a parked car and notices a villain sitting inside. Without hesitation, Reacher kicks the front grille of the car, deploying the airbag and stunning the villain.
DiLisi and Rarick analyzed the physics involved in the scene, including the forces and angles involved in the interaction between Reacher’s foot and the car.
The Authors’ Approach: Applying Introductory Mechanics to Real-World Problems
DiLisi and Rarick employed the principles of introductory mechanics to analyze the forces involved in the interaction and determine whether they would be possible or realistic.
“For the past 25 years, we have been compiling case studies of instances where basic principles of physics can be used to cast skepticism on assertions made by celebrities, politicians, or professional athletes,” said DiLisi. “Likewise, our repertoire of case studies includes examples where simple physics or engineering principles can cast doubt or debunk outlandish scenes occurring in movies and television programs.”
The Science Behind the Scene: Airbag Deployment Criteria
Based on the deployment criteria for a modern airbag, DiLisi and Rarick calculated the amount of force a person would have to exert to trigger one.
“The deployment criteria for a modern airbag typically involves a threshold of force and angle,” said DiLisi. “This is because the force required to deploy an airbag is significant, and it must be applied at a specific angle to ensure proper deployment.”
DiLisi and Rarick then compared this value with realistic estimates of a human’s kicking force, concluding that the scene in “Reacher” is impossible.
The Physics Behind the Impossible Stunt
Human Kicking Force: Is it Enough to Deploy an Airbag?
DiLisi and Rarick determined that the force required to deploy an airbag is significantly greater than the estimated kicking force of a human.
“The estimated kicking force of a human is around 1,500 to 2,000 newtons,” said Rarick. “However, the force required to deploy an airbag is around 10,000 newtons.”
Furthermore, producing anywhere near enough force to deploy an airbag would almost certainly lead to broken bones.
The Risk of Injury: A Look at the Consequences of Trying to Pull Off the Stunt
Trying to recreate the stunt in “Reacher” would not only be impossible but also extremely dangerous.
“The risk of injury is significant,” said DiLisi. “Producing anywhere near enough force to deploy an airbag would almost certainly result in broken bones or other serious injuries.”
As teachers, DiLisi and Rarick see moments like this as opportunities to bring pop culture into the classroom.
“We intend for this scenario to be an exercise for introductory physics students and as a tool for educators,” said DiLisi. “It’s important to prioritize safety and responsible action in real-world scenarios.”
Teaching Introductory Physics through Pop Culture
Using TV Shows and Movies to Teach Physics Concepts
DiLisi and Rarick believe that using pop culture to teach physics concepts can be an effective way to engage students and help them understand complex principles.
“Pop culture can be a great way to introduce complex physics principles to students,” said Rarick. “It can help them see the relevance of physics in real-world scenarios and make the subject more engaging.”
Resources for Educators: Using the “Reacher” Scenario in the Classroom
DiLisi and Rarick have created resources for educators to use the “Reacher” scenario in the classroom.
“We have a book coming out this spring that assembles all the lessons learned, best practices, and case studies of using this type of pedagogy to teach introductory physics,” said DiLisi.
These resources can help students learn about introductory physics concepts and promote critical thinking and problem-solving skills.
Conclusion
In the article “Examining a hit TV show action sequence using introductory mechanics – ww2.aip.org,” we delved into the intricacies of a popular TV show’s action sequence and explored the physics principles that underpin it. Key points include the role of force, energy, and motion in the scene, as well as the application of Newton’s laws of motion in analyzing the movements of characters and objects.
The significance of this topic lies in its ability to make complex physics concepts accessible and engaging for a wider audience. By examining real-world examples, such as a TV show action sequence, we can demonstrate the relevance and applicability of physics in everyday life. Furthermore, the analysis of such scenes can serve as a valuable tool for educators, providing a concrete and relatable context for teaching physics principles.
As we move forward, it is crucial to continue exploring the intersection of popular culture and physics. By tapping into the universal appeal of TV shows and movies, we can inspire interest and curiosity in science among a broader audience. As content creators, we have the opportunity to contribute to this effort by producing engaging and informative pieces that highlight the science behind the scenes.
In conclusion, the world of physics is all around us, even in the most unexpected places. By taking a closer look at the mechanics of a hit TV show action sequence, we have uncovered the fundamental principles that govern our universe. Let us continue to seek out these connections, fostering a deeper understanding and appreciation of the world we live in.