Resources by Veritasium

Can you solve this?

This video demonstrates how a theory cannot be proved.  Theories at best allow observations to be explained at that time, but there may be other explanations still to be discovered. The scientific method is rigorous in attempting to disprove a theory. Only when we fail to disprove our theories do we say we have...

Cathode rays lead to Thomson's model of the atom

This very short video demonstrates the experiment that led Thomson to conclude that all atoms contain electrons and helped him to create his ‘plum pudding’ model of the atom.

Chain drop experiment

This video demonstrates how two masses, one free-falling and the other falling but attached to a chain, accelerate at different rates. Students are asked to make a prediction.

Slow motion video shows that the mass attached to the chain accelerates faster than the free-falling mass.  This because as the chain...

Do cell phones cause brain tumors?

This video asks people if they believe cell phones can cause cancer.  It then considers the available evidence logically, that is types of radiation emitted by a cell phone (non-ionising) and the power rating to conclude that the radiation should not be harmful. However, recent evidence suggests that heat-shock...

Does pressure melt ice

This video demonstrates how applying pressure to ice melts it, yet on removal of the pressure the ice re-freezes.  This is called regelation.

Egg experiment to demonstrate inertia

A simple and effective practical demonstration of inertia using a spinning raw egg.

When the egg is spun its contents also spins.  Momentarily stopping the egg does not stop its contents from spinning.  On release the egg begins to spin again. The contents of the egg resist any change in its motion.

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Experiments a cappella

A song that chants ‘experiments are how we test theories’. 

Fire syringe

This video demonstrates how adiabatic compression of air can produce enough heat to ignite cotton wool.  The auto-ignition temperature of cotton wool is approximately 400⁰C.  The video could be used to explain the way diesel engines work.

Galileo the scientific parrot

This video demonstrates that objects accelerate towards the ground at the same rate when in a vacuum.  Acceleration due to gravity is constant for all objects.

How damaging is radiation?

This video introduces common misconceptions about radiation.  It then discusses the types of radiation that exists and considers how harmful they might be to us.  Our exposure to background radiation is discussed.