Chemistry: A Volatile History
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Play S1 E1Jim Al-Khalili traces the story of how the elements, the building blocks that make up our entire world, were discovered and mapped.
Cast: Jim Al-Khalili
NRHDCC
Miniseries
3 episodes
- 1. Discovering the ElementsJust 92 elements make up the world, but the belief that were only four - earth, fire, air and water - persisted until the 19th Century. Professor Al-Khalili retraces the footsteps of the alchemists who first began to question the notion of the elements in their search for the secret of everlasting life. He reveals the red herrings and rivalries which dogged scientific progress, and explores how new approaches to splitting matter brought us both remarkable elements and the new science of chemistry.NRCC1 h 0 minJan 21, 2010
- 2. The Order of the ElementsProfessor Al-Khalili looks at the 19th century chemists who struggled to impose an order on the apparently random world of the elements. From working out how many there were to discovering their unique relationships with each other, the early scientists' bid to decode the hidden order of the elements was driven by false starts and bitter disputes. But ultimately the quest would lead to one of chemistry's most beautiful intellectual creations - the Periodic Table.NRCC1 h 0 minJan 28, 2010
- 3. The Power of the ElementsProfessor 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.NRCC1 h 0 minFeb 4, 2010
Chemistry: A Volatile History
★ 6.2/1020101 season3 episodesEnded
Jim Al-Khalili traces the story of how the elements, the building blocks that make up our entire world, were discovered and mapped.
Creators and cast
- Created by
- Helen Thomas, Sacha Baveystock
- Cast
- Jim Al-Khalili
Maturity rating
NRCheck the rating before watching with younger viewers.
Audio languages
English
Where to watch
Not currently listed on any streaming, rental or purchase service.
Details and artwork from TMDB. Availability from JustWatch and can change without notice.