Fire Extinguisher Jetpack Experiments

The video explores the myth of using a CO2 fire extinguisher as a jetpack in space, inspired by the movie Gravity. The Mythbusters conduct a series of experiments to test the thrust and control of a fire extinguisher, using various low friction environments like roller skates, a hovercraft, and an ice rink. They aim to determine if a fire extinguisher can stabilize and propel a person in a frictionless environment, simulating space conditions.

What is the main question the Mythbusters are trying to answer in this episode?

• Can a fire extinguisher be used to cook food in space?

• Can a fire extinguisher operate as an impromptu jetpack in space?

• Can a fire extinguisher be used to communicate in space?

• Can a fire extinguisher be used to put out a fire in space?

What is the first step the team takes to test the myth?

• They measure the thrust produced by the fire extinguisher.

• They test the fire extinguisher underwater.

• They use the fire extinguisher to put out a fire.

• They test the fire extinguisher in a vacuum chamber.

What is the key to maximizing the propulsion of the fire extinguisher?

• Increasing the amount of CO2 in the extinguisher.

• Reducing friction.

• Using a larger fire extinguisher.

• Using multiple fire extinguishers.

What low friction system did the team first test?

• An ice rink.

• Roller skates.

• A skateboard.

• A hovercraft.

What is the purpose of the air bearing in the hovercraft?

• To increase the weight of the hovercraft.

• To reduce friction between the hovercraft and the ground.

• To stabilize the hovercraft.

• To provide additional thrust.

Where did the team test the hovercraft to simulate a frictionless environment?

• In a vacuum chamber.

• On a frozen lake.

• On an ice rink.

• In a wind tunnel.

What is the name of the ice rink where the final tests were conducted?

• NASA Ice Facility.

• Santa Rosa Ice Rink.

• Peanuts Ice Arena.

• Snoopy's home ice.

What was the result of the hovercraft test on the ice rink?

• The hovercraft spun out of control.

• The hovercraft moved all the way across the rink.

• The hovercraft moved a short distance.

• The hovercraft did not move at all.

What was the main challenge in using the fire extinguisher as a jetpack?

• Generating enough thrust.

• Controlling the direction of movement.

• Ensuring the fire extinguisher did not run out of CO2.

• Finding a suitable fire extinguisher.

What did the team conclude about using a fire extinguisher to stabilize a wild spin in space?

• It is impossible to use a fire extinguisher in space.

• It is possible to use a fire extinguisher to stabilize a spin, but control is difficult.

• It is easy to control movement with a fire extinguisher in space.

• A fire extinguisher cannot produce enough thrust to stabilize a spin.