How Did Mighty Atom's Hair Defy Physics?

In summary, a modern Samson with incredibly strong hair was able to withstand the force of a plane moving at 60 miles per hour, as reported by the Buffalo Evening Times in 1928. This feat had been featured multiple times in the "Believe It or Not" column by Ripley. However, some skeptics question the physics behind this and argue that a single hair is easy to pull out, but the combined strength of many hairs may cause harm to the person's scalp.
  • #1
Munyit
29
0
'It is a fact that this modern Samson's hair was so strong it could not be pulled out. One of the most astounding feats of strength ever seen was headlined by the Buffalo (New York) Evening Times on September 29th, 1928: "Mighty Atom -- Super Strong Man Pits Brawn Against Plane, Wins." At the Buffalo Airport before a large crowd of stunned witnesses, this human dynamo held his ground when the pilot increased the plane speed from 800 rpm for an approximate speed of 30 miles per hour to a speed of 1,600 rpm for a speed of 60 miles per hour. Without a doubt, the Atom was the strongest haired man in the world. "Believe It or Not" by Ripley had featured this superman many times over the years.' But one poster said he stops a plane at 150 miles speed, again with his hair. This is the link : http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_bxBObxdgdw0/SNprQUpqsiI/AAAAAAAAAMo/v7ayo_YI4Is/s1600-h/Atom-Lg-Poster2.jpg

Noted the plane is Fairchild FC-2. The Fairchild was powered by nine-cylinder Wright Whirlwind J-5. The J-5 produced 220 horsepower at 2,000 RPMs.

Actually, I'm a bit sceptical about his feat. What is the physics behind this?
 
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  • #2
Yeah I recalled he also break chains, bending steels and pulling 32 ton truck with his hair.
 
  • #3
It's bunk, hair is held in the skin and has finite strength. A single hair is quite easy to pull out, but add up 100,000 of them and you're more likely to rip the scalp from the skull than pull his hair out.

Give me a tow strap attached to a 1" plug of his hair, and I'll yank it out no problemo. That, or maybe attach him in the Mythbusters' phone book tensile test rig.
 

What is "Mighty Atom's hair strength"?

"Mighty Atom's hair strength" refers to the strength and durability of the hair follicles of the fictional character Mighty Atom, also known as Astro Boy. In the original manga and anime series, Mighty Atom's hair is made of a super strong material called "memorium" which allows him to perform incredible feats.

How strong is Mighty Atom's hair?

Mighty Atom's hair is incredibly strong, able to withstand extreme temperatures, high-speed collisions, and even laser blasts. It is also resistant to cutting and breaking, making it one of the strongest materials in the series.

What gives Mighty Atom's hair its strength?

Mighty Atom's hair is made of a fictional material called "memorium" which is said to be 100,000 times stronger than steel. This material is also what gives Mighty Atom his super strength and durability.

Can Mighty Atom's hair be damaged?

While Mighty Atom's hair is incredibly strong, it is not indestructible. It can be damaged by extremely powerful attacks or objects made of equally strong materials. However, it is able to regenerate and regrow quickly, making it difficult to permanently damage.

Is Mighty Atom's hair scientifically possible?

While the concept of a super strong material like "memorium" is not currently possible with our current technology, it is not entirely impossible. Scientists are constantly researching and creating new materials with incredible strength and durability, so one day we may be able to create something similar to Mighty Atom's hair.

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