Physical Proof that these movies obey Laws of Physics

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SUMMARY

This discussion focuses on analyzing the adherence of four films—Apollo 13, The Terminator, October Sky, and The Day After Tomorrow—to the laws of physics. Participants express varying levels of confidence regarding the films' compliance, with Apollo 13 deemed safe and realistic, while The Terminator raises concerns due to its portrayal of time travel and unrealistic physical effects. The Day After Tomorrow is considered abstract but not fundamentally flawed, while October Sky's accuracy is questioned regarding rocket calculations. The need for theoretical and mathematical proof is emphasized for academic purposes.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of basic physics principles, including momentum and thermodynamics.
  • Familiarity with cinematic representations of physics, particularly in science fiction.
  • Knowledge of time travel theories and their implications in physics.
  • Ability to analyze film scenes critically for scientific accuracy.
NEXT STEPS
  • Research the physics of momentum and its representation in film, particularly in action sequences.
  • Study thermodynamics and the behavior of materials at high temperatures, especially in relation to The Terminator.
  • Explore theoretical physics concepts surrounding time travel and their portrayal in media.
  • Analyze specific scenes from each film to identify and discuss their adherence to physical laws.
USEFUL FOR

This discussion is beneficial for students, educators, and film analysts interested in the intersection of cinema and physics, particularly those tasked with evaluating the scientific accuracy of popular films.

613theprince
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Hey guyz...
Im still kind of stuck on a couple of stuff...i still got a these movies left to PROVE! that it obeys the laws and fundamentals of physics...
1)Apollo 13
2)The terminator
3)October Sky
4)The Day after tommorw


HELP!please this is an ISU..its worth 15% of my mark...i need it today...if latest tomorow in the morining!>>.THANK YOU
 
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613theprince said:
Hey guyz...
Im still kind of stuck on a couple of stuff...i still got a these movies left to PROVE! that it obeys the laws and fundamentals of physics...
1)Apollo 13
2)The terminator
3)October Sky
4)The Day after tommorw


HELP!please this is an ISU..its worth 15% of my mark...i need it today...if latest tomorow in the morining!>>.THANK YOU

Woa I am no expert here but I'll give a helping hand (I don't know what exactly kind of proof you're asking for, I'm hoping and opting for a non-mathematical but rather theoretical based one)

1) As far as I remember the movie, it was based on normal real-life facts, and as far as I remember Apollo 13 incident didn't violate any Laws Of Physics, because if it did...we would know! This movie is rather safe in my opinion, yet everyone can point out any scenes to further discuss.

2) This movie is rather disturbing me. I think that, out of the four, this one is the one that's less safe. There are several facts here that I am worried about, like
i) Momentum of bullets. The actual "Hollywood effect" that bullets shot at you make you jump 10 feet backwards regardless of the actual physics interpretation.
ii) Liquid metal behaviour in relatively high temperatures. (May seem funny but if anyone could explain the physics behind this, he would be more useful than me!)
iii) The scene with the electromagnetic field that spawned Swarzenneger.
iv) The very Time-Travelling itself...


3) Not watched the movie have I.


4) Well, I think that The Day After Tomorrow is pretty safe too. The whole plot of TDAT is that a crack in one of the Poles causes significant weather and geological disturbances that create an array of catastrophic events all over the globe. That may be a little abstract and lightly based, though there is no Fundamental Law-altering effect like Terminator for example. Yet there is a chance that no catastrophic events will occur if something happens around the poles, but I am not sure about that.

Sorry for the wall-of-text, I hope I have proven to be of help..anyhow..:P

karkas
 
thank you karkas...
i really apraciate your help...
but i need proof that it obeys physics not disobeys
////best proof i can get is with equations...im hoping on finding the solution ASAP!
like i said...thank you for ur help!
 
Jeez, could you have started this assignment any more last minute? This is a big topic and you probably need to write a few pages on each (after spending 10 hours watching them all!)! These movies, quite obviously, have a collection of scenes in them - some of which may obey, some of which may not. Your assignment probably intends for you to comment on a number of scenes in each. You have a lot of work to do.
 
613theprince said:
thank you karkas...
i really apraciate your help...
but i need proof that it obeys physics not disobeys
////best proof i can get is with equations...im hoping on finding the solution ASAP!
like i said...thank you for ur help!

As you will find if you read the PF Rules link at the top of the page, we do not do your homework for you here. That's not what the PF is for.

And as Russ says, do not wait until the last minute next time on your assignments. Please think a bit about what it means to have good study habits, to budget your study time well, and to do a good job on assignments.

We will not make up for your lack of planning and effort by helping you cheat.
 
berkeman said:
We will not make up for your lack of planning and effort by helping you cheat.

Or, as the sign in the shop says: 'Lack of planning on your part does not constitute an emergency on mine.'
 
october sky may be ok, but I'm a bit concerned with the values which he caluclates as to the location of the lost rocket. have to check again.
 
I'm confused about the terminator obeying the laws of physics, since a major part of the story is to do with time travel, and as far as I know that hasn't even been shown to be possible, even in principle.
 

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