Post created by: Matheus
We all probably watched movies in which the narrative takes place in outer space. Perhaps, the most popular one is the Star Wars saga. Many appear to be drawn by the scenic and special effects alongside to a captivating story line that has lasted decades. However, writers and producers in order to make a more compelling experience must choose to defy some physics’ laws. They do so, for example, by allowing the outer space to have sound during battles.
Sound is a wave which travels by a medium, the latter could be air, water, or gas. It has the ability to compress and expand air. This causes atoms and molecules within the medium to move back and forth and, thus, expressing the sound outward (CrashCourse, 2016). The issue lies on the fact that outer space does not have particles, which is true to a certain extend. Although space lacks a medium to be compressed and rarified, it possesses gravitational waves which are able to propagate waves outwardly from their source. Nevertheless, this kind of sound is inaudible for human beings (Forbes, 2017).
In light of that, the laws of physics must be defiled in movies such Star Wars, where spaceship battles are raging and there are numerous explosions. Sound is imperative to catch the attention of the public and make the whole experience more relateable and enjoyable.
References:
Siegel, Ethan. “There Is Sound in Space, Thanks to Gravitational Waves” Forbes, May 3 2017
Crash Course. “Sound: Crash Course Physics #18.” YouTube, 4 Aug. 2016.
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