Stuff Behind the Stuff: Why This Material?

kelvinxie.jhu
  • 5.0 (1)
  • NATURAL SCIENCES

Metals, ceramics, plastics, and semiconductors run the modern world—usually unnoticed. This podcast takes everyday materials apart (conceptually, not physically) to explain what they are, how they work, and why engineers care. Made for curious students and anyone who enjoys understanding the stuff behind the stuff.

Episodes

  1. Episode 3: Gold - In Gold We Trust

    JAN 25

    Episode 3: Gold - In Gold We Trust

    Why has gold been worth trusting for thousands of years? From Inca legends and imperial ransom to modern electronics and nanotechnology, this episode explores the history, physics, and enduring allure of gold—and why this soft, yellow metal still shapes how we value the world around us.

    3 min
  2. Episode 2: Graphite - Graphite is Forever

    JAN 12

    Episode 2: Graphite - Graphite is Forever

    An exploration of graphite—the quiet, enduring form of carbon behind pencils, lithium-ion batteries, and potentially modern electronics. From layered atomic sheets to graphene, nanotubes, and buckyballs, this episode reveals how one modest material shapes everyday life.

    3 min
  3. Episode 1: Diamond - Like a diamond in the sky

    JAN 11

    Episode 1: Diamond - Like a diamond in the sky

    Explore the science behind dazzling diamonds—their chemistry, industrial uses, rare colors, lab-grown counterparts, and link to graphite.

    3 min
  • 3 Episodes

About

Metals, ceramics, plastics, and semiconductors run the modern world—usually unnoticed. This podcast takes everyday materials apart (conceptually, not physically) to explain what they are, how they work, and why engineers care. Made for curious students and anyone who enjoys understanding the stuff behind the stuff.

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