Canadian Student Tests Plausibility of Archimedes' Ancient Death Ray for Science Fair
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Brenden Sener, a Canadian middle schooler, designed a science fair project to test if Archimedes' mythical "death ray" using mirrors to set ships on fire was possible.
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Sener set up mirrors and heat lamps to reflect light onto a target, increasing its temperature significantly, leading him to conclude the death ray could have worked on a larger scale.
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Sener became interested in Archimedes after learning about the Archimedes screw. He researched more inventions, discovering the legend of the death ray.
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Sener's project added mirrors and measured temperature increases on the target. With 4 mirrors it reached 128°F, supporting the death ray's plausibility.
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Though some have recreated the death ray, others have been unsuccessful. Its effectiveness is debated, but Sener is proud his project inspired interest in science.