The movie wanted defies physic.

In summary, the movie Wanted features characters who can curve bullets by swinging their pistols, which defies the law of physics. This is because a bullet cannot curve due to the law of motion and the forces acting on it, such as gravity and air resistance. However, there is a subtle interaction called the Magnus Effect that can affect bullet flight and potentially cause it to curve. This effect is seen in spinning missiles and has engineering applications. However, in the movie, the characters are able to manipulate this effect to an unrealistic degree.
  • #1
David Yu
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In the movie wanted, the characters inside the movie can curve bullets by swinging the pistol, it is obvious it defies the law of physics. I know that a bullet cannot curve due to the law of motion, it is the same a sling (the thing that throw rocks) where the trajectory will always be a straight line, without Earth's gravity.
Can someone tell me exactly why it is impossible, using motion and centripetal force.
 
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  • #2
What are the forces on the bullet after it's left the gun?
 
  • #3
Gravity down, (some air resistance)
 
  • #4
So the bullet trajectory doesn't curve because...
 
  • #5
inertia, where there is no external force acting on it after it leaves the barrel.
 
  • #6
Yes. Newton's First Law, in short.

The bullet slows because of air resistance and falls because of gravity, but there are no other forces. Other than "up and over" artillery fire (curve due to gravity), you can't hit anything you don't have a straight line shot at.

I suppose by flicking the barrel sideways you could make the bullet come out ever so slightly on the diagonal, but it would be easier to just point the gun at the target. There is also a subtle interaction between a spinning sphere or cylinder and the air called the Magnus Effect (which I only learned about just now myself), which affects bullet flight. It still doesn't let you shoot round corners by turning your gun barrel.
 
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  • #7
David Yu said:
Gravity down, (some air resistance)

If the shooter can manage to send the bullet on a trajectory where the axis of the spinning bullet isn't aligned with the direction of flight, there could be curving effect. So to have an "air tight" argument against a trajectory curving sideways you'd have to consider that effect quantitatively. If the bullet begins to tumble in flight, the trajectory could get very complicated.
 
  • #8
Stephen Tashi said:
If the shooter can manage to send the bullet on a trajectory where the axis of the spinning bullet isn't aligned with the direction of flight, there could be curving effect. So to have an "air tight" argument against a trajectory curving sideways you'd have to consider that effect quantitatively. If the bullet begins to tumble in flight, the trajectory could get very complicated.
the bullet most likely will not tumble in the first 50 m at least, thanks to the rifling, the movie has shown that it begun to curve right after it has fired.
 

1. How does the movie "Wanted" defy physics?

The movie "Wanted" defies physics in many ways, such as the ability of characters to bend bullets and defy gravity. These actions go against the laws of physics as we know them.

2. Is it possible for someone to actually bend bullets like in the movie?

No, it is not possible for someone to bend bullets in the way that is portrayed in the movie. The laws of physics do not allow for such manipulation of objects in motion.

3. How does the movie explain the ability to defy gravity?

The movie offers a fictional explanation for the ability to defy gravity, known as "The Loom of Fate". However, this concept is not based on any scientific principles and is purely for entertainment purposes.

4. Are there any real-life examples of people with similar abilities to the characters in the movie?

No, there are no known examples of people with the abilities depicted in the movie "Wanted". These abilities are purely fictional and do not exist in the real world.

5. How do scientists view the portrayal of physics in the movie "Wanted"?

As scientists, we understand that the movie is purely fiction and does not accurately represent the laws of physics. While it can be entertaining, it is important to remember that it is not based on reality.

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