“Atomic Physics”

Abstract

To attempt an intelligible outline of atomic physics on a film which takes about 11 hours to show is no mean task; this, however, is what G.-B. Instructional Ltd. have done in the film “Atomic Physics”, and it can be said at once that it is done very well. Prof. G. I. Finch, of the Imperial College of Science and Technology, London, gave guidance during the early stages of production, and the advice of Dr. J. D. Cockcroft, Prof. R. E. Peierls and Prof. O. Frisch was obtained. Prof. A. Einstein, Dr. Cockcroft and Prof. Frisch recorded interviews which appear at appropriate places in the film. In addition, the producers were given facilities to use historical apparatus and to photograph modern research equipment to illustrate the development of the theme; among those contributing in this way are mentioned the Royal Society, Royal Institution, Science Museum, Cavendish Laboratory, Imperial College, Research Laboratories of the G.E.C. (England), Messrs. Kodak and Cinema Television. Extracts of films of J. J. Thomson speaking on the electron, and of Lord Rutherford speaking on atomic structure, are included. The Atomic Scientists' Association arranged for one of its members to give technical guidance throughout the film.