Can Jumping Into Water Save You From an Explosion?

[00:00:00]Can jumping into water save your life during an explosion? To test this claim, the MythBusters team began with a series of small-scale experiments. To measure the effects of the blast, they used special pressure sensors. The sensors were placed around an explosive charge, and the block of C4 was detonated. The results showed that all sensors located close to the explosion were destroyed, allowing the team to determine the lethal blast radius. Next, part of the experiment was repeated underwater. One sensor was placed inside a water tank, while another remained exposed in the open air. When the explosion occurred, the sensor in the air was destroyed, but the one underwater survived intact. The footage suggested that water could significantly reduce the effects [music] of the shockwave. The team then scaled the experiment up dramatically.

[00:00:41]Explosives were placed in the middle of a lake, and sensors were positioned at different distances and depths. The first [music] test used gasoline.

[00:00:48]Although the explosion looked impressive, most of the sensors survived without damage. However, when a much more powerful nitroglycerin-based explosive was used, the outcome [music] changed completely. The resulting pressure wave destroyed almost every sensor. Only a few located far from the center of the blast remained intact. In conclusion, water can reduce [music] the effects of an explosion and may provide protection in certain situations. Even so, the safest option is always to stay as far away [music] from explosions as possible.