Particle Accelerators, from In Our Time

How did scientists learn to peer inside the atom? In this preview from the BBC's In Our Time, physicist Harry Cliff tells the story of the birth of the particle accelerator, from Ernest Rutherford's challenge to unlock the secrets of matter to the race to build the first machines capable of doing it. Featuring homemade high-voltage experiments, scientific rivalry, and one memorable encounter involving a dead rat and a lot of electricity, it's a fascinating glimpse into the early days of modern particle physics. In Our Time delivers a world-class seminar, every week. From Philosophy to Physics, Pre-Raphaelites to Pharaohs, each week Misha Glenny is joined by a team of expert guests to discuss the ideas, people and events that have shaped our world. If you enjoy what you hear, find In Our Time, from the BBC, wherever you get your podcasts. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices