From the ancient Greek concept of "atomos" to today's fission and fusion technologies, this program guides viewers through the landscape of atomic theory and the hidden world of subatomic particles. Topics include the makeup of atomic nuclei and the factors that make them stable or unstable; the discovery and use of radioisotopes; and the difference between fission and fusion. Providing historical perspective, the video illustrates major discoveries about the nucleus and presents concise profiles of pioneering atomic physicists -- such as Henri Becquerel, Irene Joliot-Curie and Frederic Joliot, Ernest Rutherford and Frederick Soddy, and many others.

Encoded with permission for digital streaming by Infobase on June 03, 2009. Learn360 is distributed by Infobase for Films for the Humanities & Sciences, Cambridge Educational, Meridian Education, and Shopware.

Composition of Atoms and Their Nuclei (2:16) -- Stable and Unstable Nuclei (2:38) -- Geiger Counters and Radioactive Isotopes (2:03) -- Radioisotopes and Their Uses (4:18) -- Nuclear Fission (1:30) -- Fission and Fusion (5:16).