Can You Use Physics to Defeat Godzilla?

Image: Toho Studios. Godzilla in the ocean from Godzilla Minus One

I’m going to go over some physics from Godzilla Minus One (streaming now on Netflix). So, of course I should give you a SPOILER ALERT. If you haven’t seen this movie yet, maybe just come back here later. I’m going to go over a plot element, but it doesn’t give the whole thing away. But anyway, here is your final warning.

SPOILER ALERT

OK, you are still here. Let’s get to it.

The Plan to Defeat Godzilla

There is a plan. It goes like this:

• Use some boats to wrap Godzilla with a string of freon tanks.
• Once the tanks are attached to Godzilla, release the freon. This will cause him to sink to the bottom of the ocean — the idea is that he will be destroyed from the intense pressure at a great depth (1500 meters).
• If that doesn’t kill him, then there will also be some inflatable bags. Compressed air will be added to produce lift and rapidly bring him to the surface. The idea is that the change in pressure will destroy him.

Now for the physics questions.

Does Godzilla Float or Swim?

Godzilla clearly likes the water. Maybe the water is even his home. For his normal movement in the water, it looks like he is either…