Science Communication: The Gravitational Force is NOT Constant

Image: Rhett Allain. Fixing a diagram from Muppet Labs Field Test with Adam Savage

I’m not angry, I’m just disappointed. I mean I’m both a huge Adam Savage fan and who doesn’t like the Muppets? However, I watched this Muppet Labs Field Test about gravity and there are some issues. Check it out (it’s short).

I think it will be helpful to approach this video with a critical analysis of both the physics and the science communication aspect. OK, just a quick disclaimer. I feel like I have a solid understanding of the basic physics principles. I’ve been teaching physics at the undergraduate level for about 25 years. What about science communication? Other than all the blogs, I was actually the “technical consultant” for MythBusters, MythBusters Jr., and the new MythBusters (and other stuff too). So, I understand the constraints of making a video like this.

One final note: I will tell you a fun MythBusters story about Adam at the end.

The Physics of Falling Objects

Let’s just start off with the physics. In this video we see Adam, Dr. Bunsen Honeydew and Beaker dropping…