Description
Dr Peter Wothers, University of Cambridge, celebrates the International Year of the Periodic Table in a demonstration lecture that explores how the iconic arrangement came about, what it means and how it works. From its earliest beginnings, he explains why several different arrangements all appeared around the same time 150 years ago, and investigates how atomic structure gives rise to the diverse range of chemical properties from metals which explode in water, to elements which enable things to burn. Incorporating some exciting new demonstrations, and with help from the audience we’ll find out why our saucepans should be out of diamond, and where to find bags of separate atoms.
Recommended for ages 8+. Warning: LOUD BANGS!
Biography
Dr Peter Wothers is a Teaching Fellow in the Department of Chemistry, lecturing to the first, second and third year undergraduate students. He has co-authored a number of popular undergraduate textbooks including Why Chemical Reactions Happen, Chemical Structure and Reactivity and Organic Chemistry. Peter has made a number of TV and radio appearances, most recently giving the Royal Institution Christmas Lectures on the BBC (2012). Peter is heavily involved in both the National and International Chemistry Olympiad competitions, and also initiated the successful Cambridge Chemistry Challenge, supported by the College. Peter is Director of Studies in Chemistry for St Catharine’s, and supervises many of our Chemistry students. In 2014 he was awarded an MBE for Services to Chemistry.