The Power of the Elements
Jim Al-Khalili reveals the breakthroughs which harnessed elements' ability to release vast power, showing how scientists are trying to create new elements.
The explosive story of chemistry is the story of the building blocks that make up our entire world - the elements. From fiery phosphorous to the pure untarnished lustre of gold and the dazzle of violent, violet potassium, everything is made of elements - the earth we walk on, the air we breathe, even us. Yet for centuries this world was largely unknown, and completely misunderstood.
In this three-part series, professor of theoretical physics Jim Al-Khalili traces the extraordinary story of how the elements were discovered and mapped. He follows in the footsteps of the pioneers who cracked their secrets and created a new science, propelling us into the modern age.
In the final part, Professor Al-Khalili uncovers tales of success and heartache in the story of chemists' battle to control and combine the elements, and build our modern world. He reveals the dramatic breakthroughs which harnessed their might to release almost unimaginable power, and he journeys to the centre of modern day alchemy, where scientists are attempting to command the extreme forces of nature and create brand new elements.
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Burning Diamonds
Duration: 01:36
Credits
Role | Contributor |
---|---|
Presenter | Jim Al-Khalili |
Executive Producer | Sacha Baveystock |
Producer | Tom Cholmondeley |
Director | Tom Cholmondeley |
Production Manager | Giselle Corbett |
Broadcasts
- Thu 4 Feb 2010 21:00
- Fri 5 Feb 2010 03:30
- Mon 8 Feb 2010 23:30
- Thu 18 Mar 2010 20:00
- Mon 9 May 2011 23:50
- Wed 28 Sep 2011 19:30
- Sat 19 Apr 2014 20:00
- Sun 20 Apr 2014 01:55
- Thu 24 Apr 2014 01:15
- Sat 4 Apr 2015 19:00
- Mon 1 Jun 2020 17:00Red Button One
- Tue 2 Jun 2020 20:00
- Wed 3 Jun 2020 17:00Red Button One
- Fri 5 Jun 2020 17:00Red Button One
- Mon 11 Jul 2022 23:30