Laser vs Lightning: A Showdown of Destruction

Objective

The goal is to determine which has more destructive power by testing lasers and lightning against common household objects, including a CD, a crystal ball, and a safe full of cash.

Contestants

• Laser: Science Bob Pflugfelder, a former middle school teacher turned laser expert.
• Lightning: Mehdi Sadaghdar, aka ElectroBOOM, an electrical engineering enthusiast equipped with electric machinery.

Tests and Results

1. CD Test:
   • Bob uses a military-grade laser to burn a CD into ash.
   • Mehdi uses a Tesla coil and successfully shocks his CD with impressive electric arcs.
2. Ice Block Test:
   • Bob’s laser struggles but eventually bores a hole through the ice.
   • Mehdi uses electrical resistance to try and melt the ice, resulting in a cool failure.
   • The X Factor nickel ball didn’t achieve success due to thermodynamic challenges.
3. Lamp Creation:
   • Bob creates a slime laser lamp using ultraviolet reactive slime and a laser.
   • Mehdi powers a fluorescent lamp wirelessly using the electric field from his Tesla coil.
   • Mark attempted to make an actual lava lamp.
4. Battery Destruction:
   • Bob’s laser successfully burns through a battery case.
   • Mehdi struggles with an internal battery fail-safe using a short circuit method.
   • The X Factor crossbow manages to puncture through, causing flames.
5. Crystal Ball Test:
   • Both Bob and Mark were ineffective with laser and projectile attempts.
   • Mehdi uses a large capacitor, indirectly fracturing the ball.
6. Watermelon Test:
   • Bob uses a laser to slice, resulting in minimal effect.
   • Mehdi attempts to vaporize with 750 amps, cracking the watermelon.
   • The X Factor liquid nitrogen method creates an explosive outcome.
7. Safe Cracking:
   • Bob’s laser cuts through well, but burns the money.
   • Mehdi uses current, but inadvertently burns the content.
   • Mark’s X factor, a drop from a height, successfully opens the safe.

Conclusion

The challenges reveal different strengths:

• Mehdi (Lightning) shines in exciting visual displays but sometimes limited effect.
• Bob (Laser) shows precision but may lack practical results with certain items.
• Mark (X Factor) triumphs through unconventional measures, securing the win in the final safe cracking test.

Final Thoughts

The X factor surprisingly wins the competition. The exploration of using scientific principles in engaging, unique ways supports learning in STEM fields. Mark promotes CrunchLabs for curious minds to engage further in science through monthly build-box experiences.