Misconceptions In Film Of Science-Related Phenomena

Misconceptions In Film Of Science Related Phenomenon

Misconceptions in film of science related phenomenon name _______________________ Each of this questions represents a false representation of the way things are in space versus our Earth bound interpretations. For each question in turn write down what you think is the BEST answer to each question. Please give a full explanation with details. The Martian 1. Matt making water from rocket fuel.

What alternatives does Matt have to make water on Mars so he is not blown up? Explain. (He is using Hydrazine rocket fuel to “extract” water from. It is very explosive.) 2. Sand Storm What is wrong with the “science” of this Mars sequence where Matt gets “blow away”? Explain in some detail. 3. Space Explosions What could be in error in both these explosions in space? Explain. a) Fire b) Fire Sound (1:25 – 2:20 min.) 4. The Dark Side of the Moon We discuss and write about the dark side of the Moon. What is the true nature of this hidden side? Explain. 5. Indiana Jones You’ll need to watch the entire sequence. The problem here is? 6. Gravity (watch 15sec to 2 min) Discuss ---- Why let go? Why hold on? (Orbit, Gravity, etc.) 7. Speed (0 to 1.5min) Can this Bus really make it? Why not? (explain your choice) 8. The Day after Tomorrow. Problems with this scene? 9. Moonraker Outline at least two major problems with this scene?

Paper For Above instruction

Space depicted in films often presents misconceptions that can distort public understanding of astrophysics and space science. By analyzing specific scenes from movies like "The Martian," "Indiana Jones," "The Day After Tomorrow," and "Moonraker," we can identify inaccuracies and understand the realities of space phenomena. This paper discusses common misconceptions regarding water production on Mars, the physics of sand storms, explosions in space, the moon's dark side, gravity and motion in space, vehicle speeds, climate catastrophes, and science fiction representations of space vehicles.

1. Matt Making Water from Rocket Fuel in "The Martian"

In "The Martian," Matt demonstrates creating water by reacting hydrazine rocket fuel. The primary concern is that hydrazine is highly toxic and explosive; using it to extract water could result in an unintended detonation, as hydrazine decomposition can lead to rapid explosive reactions. A more viable alternative for water production on Mars would be to extract moisture from the planet’s regolith or atmosphere through electrolysis or chemical reactions that do not involve dangerous fuels. For example, electrolysis of atmospheric water vapor or hydrated minerals allows obtaining water without risking explosive reactions. This approach is safer and more scientifically plausible, aligning with current space exploration methods, such as NASA’s techniques for extracting water from Mars soil.

2. The Sand Storm Scene in "The Martian"

The science of Martian sand storms often misconstrues the wind speeds and their effects. While Martian storms are indeed strong and capable of affecting equipment, the depiction of Matt being blown away in a manner similar to Earth storm scenarios is exaggerated. Martian winds reach speeds up to approximately 60 mph, but due to the low atmospheric density, the exerted force on objects is considerably less than on Earth. The film’s portrayal neglects the physics of low-pressure, thin atmosphere conditions, where the force exerted is insufficient to propel a human or large object forcefully. Moreover, the dust particles are much finer, and their impact on health and machinery differs significantly from Earth's dust storms.

3. Space Explosions and the Errors in Depiction

The portrayal of explosions in space in movies like "The Martian" presents two common misconceptions:

• Fire in Space: Fire requires oxygen; in the vacuum of space, fire cannot sustain itself without a source of oxygen. Flames would be unable to burn, or would burn very differently, often as a high-temperature, non-flaming glow due to oxidation of specific compounds in the absence of atmospheric oxygen.
• Sound of Explosions: Sound requires a medium to travel through; in space, there is no air or medium to carry sound waves. Therefore, explosions in space do not produce sound. The depiction of deafening blasts in space is therefore physically inaccurate—they are silent, and fictional sound effects are added purely for dramatization.

4. The Dark Side of the Moon

The term "dark side of the Moon" is a misconception; the Moon is tidally locked with Earth, meaning the same hemisphere always faces Earth, while the opposite side remains out of view. The "dark side" receives sunlight, just like the near side; it is simply not visible from Earth. This side is called the far side, and it has been imaged extensively by spacecraft. The misconception arises from the phrase implying perpetual darkness, which is incorrect since both sides experience day-night cycles.

5. Indiana Jones Scene Issues

Without specific scene details, common issues involve the portrayal of physics, such as objects falling or moving in ways inconsistent with gravitational or physical laws. For example, unrealistic distances, speeds, or the behavior of artifacts in a low-gravity environment might occur, which defies the known physics of space or Earth’s gravity.

6. Gravity: Letting Go and Holding On

In space, objects in orbit are in continuous free fall around Earth. Letting go of an object in orbit results in it continuing motion along a curved trajectory; holding on provides control against unintentional drift. The motion illustrates that gravity acts as a centripetal force, keeping objects in orbit. Releasing an object too early or too late can cause it to collide with spacecraft or drift away, emphasizing the importance of proper grasp and timing when operating in microgravity environments.

7. Can the Bus in the Scene Reach 1.5 Minutes?

Realistically, a bus attempting to accelerate to 1.5 times the speed of sound in such a short time frame is implausible. Achieving supersonic speeds requires extensive acceleration and power, which typical buses do not possess. Even with fictional technology, current physics suggests that such rapid acceleration would produce dangerous G-forces and structural stress, making the scene highly unrealistic.

8. Problems in "The Day After Tomorrow"

The scene depictions of rapid climate change, such as sudden freezing or storms, are exaggerated beyond scientific plausibility. Climate systems cannot respond so swiftly or with such extreme intensity over short periods. The depiction of massive, fast-moving superstorms and instantaneous ice formation oversimplifies complex atmospheric processes and disregards the timescales involved in natural climate variations.

9. Major Problems in "Moonraker"

Two major issues include: first, the portrayal of space travel at speeds and conditions that contravene Newtonian physics, such as abrupt stops and starts, and second, the depiction of space battles or movements with unrealistic velocities and mass control, ignoring the enormous energy and physics constraints involved in spaceflight.

Conclusion

While films powerfully depict space adventures, many scenes contain scientific inaccuracies that distort our understanding. Recognizing these misconceptions helps to educate the public about the true nature of space phenomena, emphasizing the importance of physics, engineering, and planetary science in realistic space exploration. As technology advances, film can become a better medium for science communication by adhering more closely to established scientific principles.

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