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Are Atoms Real? (1957-02-16)
About this film
"Are atoms real?" Progress in the understanding of the physical universe depends on their reality. And yet, the most powerful microscope devised cannot see them. But then, you can't see the air you breathe. However, there are ways, demonstrated by Edwin C. Kemble, which suggest the reality of atoms. He shows to TV cameras the moving tracks left by atomic particles; you listen as particles from outer space bombard the television stage from which he speaks. Professor LeCorbeiller concludes by asking you to examine an ordinary apple, occupying a certain place in space, having weight and volume. He explains why, when reality is mentioned, apples are similar to atoms.
Directors & creators
WGBH Educational Foundation
Subjects
public broadcasting, AAPB, Atomic theory, Philosophy of science, History of science, Scientific inquiry, Concept of reality, Epistemology, Ancient Greek philosophy, Physics, Scientific truth, Perception vs reality, 1950s educational media, Science and society, Nicolaus Copernicus, Galileo Galilei, Atomic structure, Scientific observation, Rationalism, Nature of matter, History of physics, Science communication, Appearance and reality, History of ideas, Scientific method, Education in science, Scientific exploration
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