Andrew Szydlo's Chemistry of Coal

Andrew Szydlo is back at the Ri to introduce us all to the surprising chemistry of coal.

From its initial discovery, its use as the fuel of the industrial revolution, to some of the more interesting and exciting compounds we can obtain from coal, Andrew takes us on an illuminating tour of this intriguing rock.

Andrew Szydlo is a chemist and secondary school teacher at Highgate School, well-loved by pupils and Ri attendees alike.

This talk filmed in the Ri on 3 November 2018.

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A very special thank you to our Patreon supporters who help make these videos happen, especially:
Alessandro Mecca, Ashok Bommisetti, Avrahaim Chein, bestape, David Lindo, Elizabeth Greasley, Greg Nagel, Lester Su, Rebecca Pan, Robert D Finrock, Roger Baker, Sergei Solovev and Will Knott.
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[mrmathmos]

I’d be a chemist now if my teacher in the 80s had this much knowledge and passion to teach. A fabulous lecture. Thanks

[TheRoyalInstitution]

EDIT: Now with English subtitles!
It doesn't matter if you've been naughty or nice this year because the man, the legend, the chemist extraordinaire, Andrew Szydlo is getting us all some coal. Metaphorically of course, in the shape of this fabulous lecture about the history, uses and chemistry of coal.

[andrestrujado]

Absolutely delighted to play a small role in this lecture! And together with Oskar we are now the minions of the grand master Andrew Szydlo! And very proud to be! I have never learned so much from just one person

[awmperry]

I love the throwaway remark around 42 minutes in that he learned something while prepping the lecture. All too many experts try to appear to know everything, so for me the mark of a real scientist is that joy in finding and breaking the limits of one’s ignorance.

[floorpizza]

Such a humble man... he doesn't even want applause. My dear Dr. Szydlo, we are all applauding you. You are truly a gem of a human being. Those of you who were taught in the classroom by Dr. Szydlo should consider yourselves to be very fortunate.

[jmonsted]

It's lovely to hear someone speak who so obviously loves his job and his field.

[trustthewater]

I would love to see him give a lecture without a time limit. I get the feeling he could go on for hours and it would be fascinating and entertaining the entire time. It's too bad I'm too old to be one of the kids in the audience and that I'm on a different continent.
It's a great introduction to the fact that we have been spoiled by coal. Cheap energy and vast chemical resources.

[wikusvandemerwe]

Despite Andrew's love of coal, he's obviously nuclear powered!

[jamiemeadows]

No no no no no no no no
No Clapping
such a great lecturer, i love the variety of topics!

Nearly 500K Subs you deserve more

[SL]

I like how these videos are shot in one take....and one breath.

[kaprn]

This man is definitely one of my favorite educators. His passion for chemistry has left me feeling like a kid again, wanting to learn about everything i come in contact with.

[philgallagher]

I love Andrew's presentations. He gets SO enthusiastic and is really inspirational!
I wouldn't want to be in his family though! Poor Oskar!!! The lad must be exhausted!!

[glennkrieger]

Well, it took him longer than usual but the non-stop streaming consciousness and the constant flow of thoughts and words eventually took hold. There's nobody like him. We salute you Andrew!

[whoeverofhowevermany]

1:18 I've never seen anyone so naturally just shut down applause like that before 😂

[phillupson]

I could watch Andrew for hours, the enthusiasm for his subject is infectious.

[NorwayT]

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Andrew Szydlo — whatever he puts his hands and mind to, brings smiles upon the faces of Young & Old! What a fantastic Teacher & Chemist Extraordinaire! His lectures are 80 minutes of Fireworks in the Man himself!

[sibsbubbles]

This guy is the best for any of the chemistry RI presentations by far. The rapid pace, enthusiasm, and even active improvisation/learning on his behalf is...well...the essence of educating both oneself and the group being educated. Reminds me of my 9th grade teacher to some degree from 20 years ago. Just super into it.

[epichazeltime]

I wish he was my chemistry teacher. So funny & passionate guy.

[johnjacobjingle]

As much time as he spend on the polutions of coal.. it should be mentioned that we do add anhydrous ammonia, overfire air, nox burners, bag houses, scrubbers, and many other things to reduce and nearly eliminate the effects of the pollution during its use.. no one talks about those improvements as much as the bad stuff..

[Circuit_Whisperer]

That was an incredible demonstration, and I wish we had this type of passionate demonstration in the U.S. Good job, and please keep up with the public sharing of knowledge!