# Exploring MacGyver's Ingenious Science in Season 1 Episode 14
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Chapter 1: Understanding the Science Behind MacGyver's Tactics
In my journey of analyzing MacGyver's ingenious science notes, I've realized that I can skip the typical witty introduction—though it seems I just did that anyway. So, let’s dive straight into the fascinating science!
Section 1.1: The Art of Triangulation
In this episode, MacGyver is on the hunt for a suspect. He discovers a skyline sketch that he believes was created from the view outside the suspect's apartment in Atlanta.
Can we determine the location based on this drawing? Absolutely! If the sketch is to scale, we can pinpoint the source of the drawing. However, if it’s abstract, we’re at a loss.
Let’s break down two pivotal concepts needed to decode this drawing.
#### Subsection 1.1.1: Angular Size Explained
Angular size refers to how an object appears to the eye depending on its distance. For instance, you can make someone's head look as small as your thumb by distancing them. If your thumb obscures someone's head, both have the same angular size.
To visualize this, imagine an object of length L positioned at a distance r from an observer. The observer is represented by a blue circle, while the object is depicted as a red shape. This is a good approximation if the object is far away.
The arc length formula can be applied here, providing a means to calculate angular sizes when you know two of the three parameters: angle, distance, or size.
If MacGyver recognizes a familiar building in the drawing, he might know its size but not its distance, which complicates matters. In a photograph, he could derive the angular size based on the camera's field of view, but with a drawing, the width could be virtually anything.
Section 1.2: The Power of Triangulation
Now, let’s talk about triangulation. If you can identify the angular positions of two objects, you can draw lines from those angles. The intersection of these lines reveals your location.
The challenge lies in the reliance on angular size for both the drawing and the distance to the objects, which makes this approach tricky. But with enough effort, it’s possible to unravel the mystery mathematically.
I spent considerable time working through this problem, and I even created an explanation video detailing the process.
Chapter 2: Creative Solutions for Everyday Challenges
Section 2.1: Hot-Wiring a Vehicle
Hot-wiring a car is a common trope, but it’s not as easy as it seems with modern vehicles. There are different categories of cars:
- Vintage Cars: These have basic keys and can be hot-wired, but of course, stealing is not advisable.
- Old Cars with Steering Locks: While you might hot-wire these, the steering lock poses a challenge.
- Modern Cars: Post-1997 models often contain chips in their keys, making hot-wiring ineffective.
- Advanced Models: Vehicles that use key fobs for ignition complicate matters further.
In this episode, MacGyver attempts to hot-wire an older model, which is somewhat plausible. He might have just broken the steering lock by force.
Section 2.2: The Bolo Trap
MacGyver cleverly ties two cleaning solution bottles together with a string, creating a makeshift bolo. He swings it to entangle an enemy’s legs, causing them to fall dramatically.
Section 2.3: Trip Wire Mechanism
He sets up a fishing line in a hallway connected to an electric fan. When someone steps on the line, it activates the fan switch. This is a straightforward yet effective trap.
Section 2.4: Utilizing a Bump Key
A bump key is a lock-picking tool designed to raise lock pins so the cylinder can turn. This technique is crucial for those skilled in lock picking.
Section 2.5: Creating a Diversion
To create a distraction in a parking garage, MacGyver plugs an electric car charger into a power box for overhead lights.
Could this work? Potentially, but it could also lead to disastrous results. Most chargers operate at 220–240 volts, while the typical overhead lights use 120 volts. This mismatch could cause the ballast in fluorescent lights to fail catastrophically.
Originally published at http://rhettallain.com on February 2, 2019.