The Mechanical universe-- and beyond
Subtitle: Part II : Beyond the mechanical universe, programs 47-52
By: California Institute of Technology and the Southern California Consortium ; producer and director, Peter Buffa
Contributors: California Institute of Technology; Southern California Consortium for Community College Television; Annenberg/CPB
Publisher: Annenberg/CPB
Published: 2003
Place of publication: S. Burlington, VT
Language: eng
Format: [videorecording] /
Number of pages: 180
Subjects: Thermodynamics; Matter; Properties; Atomic theory; History; Periodic law; Chemical elements; Quarks
Other titles: Mechanical universe (Television program); Beyond the mechanical universe.; Entropy.; Low temperatures.; Atom.; Particles and waves; From atoms to quarks.; Quantum mechanical universe.
Description: Program 47 illustrates the genius of Carnot and the second law of thermodynamics. Discusses the implications of Carnot's theory in defining the behavior of matter and the flow of time throughout the universe. Program 48 deals with the discovery that, under the right conditions of temperature and pressure, all elements can exist in each of the basic states of matter. Program 49 explores the history of the atom from the ancient Greeks to the early twentieth century. Includes the discoveries of J.J. Thomson and Ernest Rutherford and their impact on the field of physics. Program 50 focuses on the discovery that light can sometimes act like a particle and from this discovery the development of the new physics, quantum mechanics. Program 51 discusses how electron waves confined by electric attraction to the nucleus helped resolve the dilemma of the atom and accounted for the periodic table of the elements. The program goes on to relate that nucleons obey a kind of periodic table and that this discovery lead to the idea of quarks. Program 52 reviews the previous programs in the course and takes a look into the future. Uses computer animation sequences, historical reenactments, and close-up photography of experiments.
Notes: An Annenberg/CPB project.

Pt. of a two-semester television course.

Videodisc release of the original television program: The mechanical universe.

Animated graphics, Jim Blinn ; story editor, Jack Arnold ; consultants, Dave A. Campbell, Judith Goodstein.

Host, David Goodstein.

College students and adults.

DVD.
Table of contents: title: Entropy (30 min.); title: Low temperatures (30 min.); title: The atom (30 min.); title: Particles and waves (30 min.); title: From atoms to quarks (30 min.); title: The quantum mechanical universe (30 min.)