Up Next
Back to Show
Reactions
How Can You See an Atom?
Season 2
Episode 18
Reactions takes a close up look at the science of how we can see an atom. Since ancient Greek times, philosophers and scientists have tried to figure out what an atom looks like. For a couple thousand years, humans could only speculate on the structure and other properties of the smallest unit of matter. It wasn't until the 1980s that chemists could see individual atoms.
Sign up now for inspiring and thought-provoking media delivered straight to your inbox.
10:04
We tracked it down to investigate if it’s as “banana-y” as the myth claims.
7:26
We explore the sugar molecules in breast milk that make it so difficult to recreate.
8:12
We find out what it is and push its limits.
7:25
What’s the chemistry behind those smells, and why do they make us so happy?
4:45
The answer is yes! In this episode, we explore why.
6:10
Spoiler Alert! It's because of the ammonium nitrate.
8:34
Sam and George suffer for science to find the best cure.
4:00
Sam and George experiment with this tea to play with its spectacular colors.
3:54
We break down the Mars-like haze and how climate change is involved.
3:47
We explore why margaritas have such an effect on the body when making it.
12:31
We get into how this tiny molecule holds up so much of our modern world.
14:13
We break down what a battery is and how they’re actually all around us.