44 – Kryptonite Spear

Our introduction to Kryptonite in Batman v. Superman, its properties and use.

Getting into the science of minerals, materials, radiation, and projectiles.  Why make a Kryptonite spear?  Why not Kryptonite bullets, blades, or bludgeons?

Something more meaningful than the gift of a Kryptonite ring.

Answers, insights, and commentary on:

* Properties of a mineral

* Properties of Kryptonite

* Weaponizing Kryptonite

* Why Kryptonite glows

* Kryptonian bio-interactions

* Wisps of smoke during scalpel cut

* Radioactive half-life

* Biological half-life

* Ballistic penetration

* Lightsaber design language

* In praise of production design

* Pathology of Kryptonite gas

* Entrusting Kryptonite

* How to give hope

…and a bonus round of random topics:

* What altitude did Superman?

* Super-speed stories

* Bringing Clark back

* DC Rebirth

* Allegory

* Allergy

Note: Lightsaber design language, form follows function, and spearhead geometry | Various

Minerals and Blades

Botryoidal mineral texture | Wiki

BvS Spoiler Special with Zack Snyder | Empire Podcast

Stone Blade Surgery | PBS

Obsidian Surgery Scalpels | CNN

Glass Knife | Wiki

Diamond Knife | Wiki

Diamond LaserKnife | ASDS

Radiation

The Batman Superman Movie | WB Animation

Silver Bullet | Wiki

Radioactivity: Expect the unexpected - Steve Weatherall | TED-Ed

Is radiation dangerous? - Matt Anticole | TED-Ed

How does radiation sickness work? | BrainStuff

The Radium Girls | SciShow

Bullets

Army Special Forces: "Silent Warriors" (1961) | US Army

Modern Crossbow vs. Modern Body Armor | twangNbang

Momentum, Kinetic Energy, & Arrow Penetration | Dr. Ashby

Tungsten: The perfect metal for bullets | BBC

Firewalking | Wiki

Discoveries from the Inside - Designing the Lightsaber | Star Wars

Return of the Jedi Fake Script Story| Howard Kazanjian

FN SCAR® Mk 13 EGLM | FN

Alpha Particle | Wiki