Chemistry

550 cards. Each one is a 40-second story with a five-minute read behind it. Page 9 of 10.

481. The volatile plastic that birthed the film industry and replaced ivory in Victorian homes.Before modern synthetics, celluloid revolutionized manufacturing by mimicking ivory and enabling motion pictures. Yet, this groundbreaking material was notoriously dangerous. Its …
482. Is glass a solid or a liquid? The answer depends on your definition.Glass is a material in limbo. Unlike crystals, which have a rigid, orderly structure, glass is a kinetically locked, amorphous solid that behaves like a frozen liquid. Because it …
483. Why most materials are weakly magnetic, even if they do not act like magnets.Paramagnetism is a subtle, invisible force present in most elements. Unlike the permanent pull of a refrigerator magnet, paramagnetic materials only show magnetism when placed in …
484. Why modern banknotes are made of plastic instead of traditional cotton paperPolymer banknotes are revolutionizing global currency by offering superior durability and advanced security features. Developed in Australia during the 1980s, these synthetic note…
485. Why is the rare earth metal dysprosium named for its own elusiveness?This video explores the properties of dysprosium, a metal whose name reflects the difficulty scientists faced in isolating it. Featuring Professor Sir Martyn Poliakoff and senior …
486. Go behind the scenes of the complex manufacturing process at the Kodak factory.This video continues a deep dive into the Kodak film production facility. It explores the technical quality control measures and the chemical foundations required to manufacture p…
487. Forever chemicals are notoriously difficult to destroy, but they are not impossible to eliminate.PFAS, commonly known as forever chemicals, are found in everyday items like non-stick cookware and water-resistant clothing. While their environmental persistence is well-document…
488. Why creating the ultimate red pigment remains a persistent scientific challengeScientists struggle to engineer a red pigment that is simultaneously vibrant, lightfast, and non-toxic. This video explores why researchers are moving beyond traditional chemistry…
489. Molybdenum: The essential transition metal featured in Periodic VideosThis video explores the properties and characteristics of molybdenum, a transition metal. Featuring Neil Barnes and Martyn Poliakoff, the film provides a look at this element thro…
490. Exploring the chemical properties and history of the element arsenicThis video features Sir Martyn Poliakoff and Neil Barnes as they examine the element arsenic. It provides a look at the characteristics of this element, offering insight into its …
491. How to generate hydrogen gas using common household chemicals and aluminiumSenior technician Neil Barnes demonstrates a classic childhood chemistry experiment by reacting aluminium with sodium hydroxide. This video explores the chemical reaction that rel…
492. The 2019 Nobel Prize in Chemistry honors the architects of the lithium-ion battery.This video explores the development of lithium-ion batteries, a technology that transformed modern life. Featuring insights from Darren Walsh, Martyn Poliakoff, and Neil Barnes, i…
493. How Benjamin List and David W.C. MacMillan Revolutionized Chemistry with Asymmetric OrganocatalysisThe 2021 Nobel Prize in Chemistry recognized a breakthrough in molecular construction. This video features chemists from the University of Nottingham explaining the significance o…
494. Can a new type of ultrawhite paint help cool our homes and save energy?Researchers are investigating a specialized ultrawhite paint formulated with barium sulfate particles. This video features Sir Martyn Poliakoff and Neil Barnes from the University…
495. Why the 2023 Nobel Prize in Chemistry honors the discovery of quantum dotsChemist Martyn Poliakoff and physicist Philip Moriarty discuss the 2023 Nobel Prize in Chemistry. This video explores the significance of quantum dots and the work of the three la…
496. Why the Royal Society honored a university lab technician with a prestigious medalNeil Barnes, the long-serving lab technician behind the experiments in the Periodic Table of Videos, receives the Hauksbee Medal. This recognition highlights his essential role in…
497. Why Japan's early claim to a spot on the periodic table failedResearchers once believed they had identified elements 43 and 75, which would have secured Japan a place on the periodic table decades earlier. This video examines the history of …
498. Why is this radioactive element worth twenty-seven million dollars per gram?Explore the production of Californium, an incredibly expensive and rare element. This video takes you inside the Oak Ridge National Laboratory to see where this material is create…
499. Is Oganesson Tetratennesside the largest possible molecule in existence?Professor Martyn Poliakoff explores the theoretical limits of molecular size. This video investigates whether Oganesson Tetratennesside, a structure composed of five atoms, could …
500. Yttrium: The rare earth element behind high-tech superconductors and vibrant blue pigments.Sir Martyn Poliakoff and Neil Barnes explore the properties and applications of Yttrium. This video highlights how this versatile element contributes to modern material science, s…
501. Why is the rare earth metal scandium so difficult to find in nature?This video explores the properties and scarcity of scandium, a transition metal that remains elusive despite its presence in the periodic table. Experts from the University of Not…
502. How AI solved the half-century-old puzzle of protein structure prediction.The 2024 Nobel Prize in Chemistry honors the computational breakthroughs that transformed our understanding of proteins. This video examines the work of David Baker, Demis Hassabi…
503. Rhenium: A rare, dense transition metal found in volcanic mineralsThis video explores the properties and characteristics of Rhenium, a transition metal. Featuring Professor Martyn Poliakoff and his team, the episode examines everything from its …
504. A fresh look at samarium, the rare earth element with surprising magnetic properties.Professor Sir Martyn Poliakoff from the University of Nottingham presents an updated exploration of samarium. This video provides a detailed look at the element, supported by The …
505. Can a chemical reaction cook a steak in less than seven seconds?A team from The University of Nottingham demonstrates the intense power of the thermite reaction by attempting to cook a steak in just 6.8 seconds. This experiment highlights the …
506. Does lithium react differently with sugar-free soda compared to the original version?Nearly a decade after their initial experiment, researchers from The University of Nottingham revisit the reaction between lithium and 7 Up. This time, they test the metal against…
507. Scientists have successfully synthesized a new molecular structure known as Cuprocene.Professor Sir Martyn Poliakoff discusses the creation of a unique copper sandwich molecule. This video explores the chemistry behind this scientific breakthrough, highlighting the…
508. The hidden environmental legacy behind the 2019 film Dark WatersThis video explores the real-world story of Rob, which served as the inspiration for the 2019 film Dark Waters. It examines the impact of PFAS contamination and features expert te…
509. Could a single crystal structure fundamentally threaten the future of modern medicine?This video investigates the potential for specific crystalline materials to disrupt medical science. Through expert collaboration and laboratory demonstrations, it explores the pr…
510. The hidden chemical reason behind 96 million black balls on a reservoirWhile many believe these floating plastic spheres are used to prevent evaporation, their true purpose is to protect water quality by blocking sunlight and preventing a dangerous c…
511. The complex legacy of the scientist who fed the world while enabling destructionThis video explores the life and work of the chemist behind the Haber-Bosch process. It examines how his invention, which synthesizes ammonia for fertilizer, sustains billions of …
512. What actually happens when concrete sets and why it is so strong?Concrete is the most widely used building material on Earth, yet its hardening process is often misunderstood. This video explores the chemistry behind cement and the materials th…
513. What is the science behind the vibrant colors and explosive displays of fireworks?This video explores the chemistry and historical development of fireworks. By consulting experts in pyrotechnic arts and sciences, it reveals the technical processes that create t…
514. Can you actually calculate the value of pi using a simple chemistry experiment?Matt Parker attempts to derive pi by measuring the surface area of a thin film of oleic acid. By calculating the volume of individual molecules using Avogadro's number, he demonst…
515. The cosmic mystery of how heavy elements like gold are createdWhile we understand how the Big Bang produced hydrogen and stars forged carbon, the origin of heavy elements like gold remains elusive. This video explores the r-process and the e…
516. Why alchemy was the legitimate ancestor of modern chemical scienceAlchemy is often dismissed as a dark, shameful precursor to chemistry. This video examines how alchemists were actually serious investigators attempting to understand the mechanic…
517. Which drinks actually extinguish the fire when you eat something too spicy?When your mouth feels like it is on fire from spicy food, choosing the right beverage can make a difference. This video examines scientific research to determine which drinks are …
518. Your medicine cabinet might be hiding a surprising dependency on crude oil.Many common medications, including Tylenol, are derived from fossil fuels. This video explores the possibility of moving away from petroleum-based production and examines the unex…
519. The periodic table was not always the precise map of elements we know today.Dmitri Mendeleev first organized the periodic table in 1869 with 63 elements. Since then, the table has expanded to 118, but the journey was marked by false starts and mistaken di…
520. Can you force methane molecules into a flat, planar shape?Methane is famously tetrahedral, but researchers are exploring ways to create carbon bonds that defy this traditional geometry. Dr. Stephen Liddle explains the chemistry behind fo…
521. Can chemistry settle the mystery of the Turin Shroud's true age?The Turin Shroud is a religious relic that has been subject to intense scientific scrutiny. This video examines the chemistry behind the artifact, specifically focusing on how rad…
522. Experience a chemistry lecture from the perspective of the professor himselfThis video offers a unique look at the famous Thunder and Lightning chemistry lecture held at the University of Nottingham. By mounting a camera on the lapel of chemist Pete Licen…
523. Why distilling alcohol at home can be a lethal mistakeFollowing a tragic explosion in Boston, Lincolnshire, this video examines the inherent dangers of home alcohol distillation. It serves as a necessary reminder of the risks involve…
524. Witness the explosive and transformative power of elements through curated chemical reactions.This collection showcases chemical reactions performed by the Periodic Table of Videos team. It offers a unique look at how different elements behave, providing a visual resource …
525. Why Coke and Pepsi changed their recipes to avoid a cancer warning label.US soda manufacturers altered their formulas to bypass new labeling requirements. This video examines the chemistry behind the shift and offers a lighthearted perspective on the a…
526. How University of Nottingham students celebrated a chemistry professor with a sugary periodic table.To mark Professor Martyn Poliakoff's birthday, students at the University of Nottingham baked and decorated a full set of periodic table cupcakes. This video captures the unique t…
527. How scientists etched a portrait of Queen Elizabeth II onto a diamondTo mark the diamond jubilee of Queen Elizabeth II, researchers at the University of Nottingham used nanotechnology to create a microscopic image of the monarch. This video explore…
528. Why are Earth's most precious metals so incredibly rare in our planet's crust?Precious metals like gold, platinum, and rhodium carry high value due to their scarcity on Earth. This video explores the cosmic origins of these heavy elements, revealing how neu…
529. How scientists engineer proteins through directed evolution and phage displayExplore the groundbreaking chemistry behind the 2018 Nobel Prize. This video features researchers from the University of Nottingham explaining the revolutionary methods used to ev…
530. Why chemists use a massive, seemingly unhelpful number to measure the microscopic worldThe mole is defined by Avogadro's number, a value so staggeringly large it feels abstract. However, this unit is actually a clever tool designed to bridge the gap between invisibl…
531. The molecular science behind why super glue bonds so effectively to skinSuper glue is more than just a powerful adhesive; it possesses a unique chemical compatibility with human biology. This video explores the underlying molecular mechanics and the p…
532. The hidden dangers lurking on gas station shelvesSubstances like kratom, tianeptine, and phenibut are easily accessible at local gas stations. This video examines why these seemingly harmless products can lead to deadly conseque…
533. The missing piece of the onion's chemical sting is physicsWe have long understood the biology and chemistry behind why slicing an onion causes tears. However, a new look at the process reveals that physics plays a crucial role in the puz…
534. The unexpected environmental cost of a perfect latherWhen domestic washing machines first arrived, their new synthetic detergents worked too well. This video explores how the massive buildup of bubbles in freshwater ecosystems trigg…
535. A rare look inside the active zones of the National Nuclear LaboratoryStep inside the high-security environment of Sellafield. This video provides a close-up encounter with some of the world's most radioactive elements, including Uranium and Plutoni…
536. How G-protein-coupled receptors shape our biological understandingWatch as Professor Martyn Poliakoff and guest Barrie Kellam celebrate the 2012 Nobel Prize in Chemistry. This video revisits the announcement and explores the groundbreaking resea…
537. The legacy of Glenn Seaborg and the synthetic element SeaborgiumJourney to Berkeley to explore the creation of Seaborgium, a synthetic element named in honour of the legendary chemist Glenn Seaborg. This video provides a visual look into the w…
538. Recreating the chemistry behind the Vatican's papal election smokeHow does the Vatican signal a new Pope? This video explores the specific chemical recipe used to produce the black and white smoke during a Papal Conclave, featuring a chemist-tur…
539. Inside the factory where even the dust is too valuable to ignoreStep inside the noble metals section of Johnson Matthey to see how precious elements are handled. This video explores the high-stakes environment of a factory managing platinum, i…
540. What happens when a chemistry experiment goes wrong?Watch a demonstration using ethanol and a currency note that was intended to burn without damaging the paper, only to see how unexpected chemical reactions can transform a planned…

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