Todd Sampson's Life On The Line

Exploring the physics of heat transfer, Todd rides a custom-made sled through an 800-degree fire with nothing but water to protect him. With the help of physicist Jessica Bloom, Todd demonstrates water's unique ability to absorb heat, revealing how even a thin layer of water can save his skin from being burnt in the flames.

With help from Olympic swimmer and physics student Cameron McEvoy, Todd explores the science of resistance by submerging one of the world's deadliest weapons � an AK-47 rifle - and firing it at himself at a distance of only three metres away.

Todd Sampson takes a leap of faith by bungee jumping with two interwoven phone books, and nothing but the friction between the pages to arrest his fall. With the help of astrophysicist Dr Alan Duffy, Todd explores the law of friction and reveals the latest science behind how this daring experiment actually works. According to Alan's calculations, the phone books will have to sustain at least four times Todd's body weight.

Todd Sampson puts the law of conservation of energy to the ultimate test by releasing a one-tonne wrecking ball inches from his face. With the help of astrophysicist Dr Alan Duffy, Todd explores one of physics' fundamental laws with the destructive power of a giant pendulum � a one-tonne mass of steel swinging on a 13-metre chain.

Harnessing the incredible power of air pressure, Todd Sampson attempts to climb a 13-storey building with nothing but two vacuum cleaners strapped to his back. With the help of physicist Dr Niraj Lal, Todd explores the science of air pressure to see if he can scale a high-rise building � just like Spiderman � using two vacuum cleaners and custom-made suction pads.

Putting his faith in the science of buoyancy, Todd Sampson ties himself to a giant cluster of helium balloons in an attempt to defy gravity. With the help of astrophysicist Dr Lisa Harvey-Smith, Todd takes flight with 130 balloons to demonstrate the upward force of buoyancy. But this giant airship relies on calm conditions, and high winds threaten to derail the experiment.