Zap, Crackle and Pop: The Story of Electricity

Dr Marty Jopson leads us through the story of electricity in a show buzzing with demonstrations. Have we tamed electricity? From the Ancient Greeks to Faraday’s genius, this show puts the awesome back into electricity.

Join Dr Marty Jopson, the BBC One Show’s resident scientist as he takes a sparky journey through the story of electricity. Do you know the difference between current and voltage? With the aid of the audience, Marty will explain. From the Ancient Greeks, through Faraday’s genius, this show aims to put the awesome back into electricity. You may think we have electricity tamed, but are you sure? A show chock full of demonstrations and a plucked chicken. Expect an electrifying performance.

Marty Jopson is a science TV presenter, live show performer, writer and strange prop builder. He is most famous from the BBC's The One Show, on which he has reported on the mathematical formula, Benford’s Law, the origins of the seismograph, the sound mirrors of Denge, the ban on lead in petrol, and the invention of lava lamps.

[hankw]

I greatly appreciate having heard the following explanation of voltage vs. current in the first semester of my college electronics program: If you compare an electrical circuit to a plumbing system, the current equates to the flow rate, the voltage equates to the water pressure, and the resistance or impedance equates to a partial blockage in one of the pipes.

[owenlatchford]

Dude I wish I had a teacher as passionate as this Guy

[ShaunBauidhNoBas]

Looked forward to these lectures every Xmas as a kid. Great to find them here. Thoroughly entertaining.

[S-I-T]

How could anyone dislike this vid? This guy is brilliant.

[shishkabobby]

Another really good reason to use the back of hand to test for electricity is if you do get shocked, your muscle will contract. if you end up grabbing a wire, you are in for serious damage. So using the back of the hand is much safer.

[heynando]

loved this guy, his vibe passion and charisma are quite unique, extremely captivating.

[alstewart]

My grandson Jeff told me about this interesting site to inspire young people.

[totalfreedom]

This cool dude awakens the child in all of us. Excellent hands-on presentation. Thanx Dr Jopson! 😊

[gabrielgonzalez]

This was great information on the genesis of pre-modern electricity. I would liked to have seen him continue his talk and bring us into modern technology; very entertaining lecture.

[divalivingston]

Doesn't sound like the odds are in your favor if caught in an electrical storm. Decades ago, I remember walking and seeing one in the distance, thinking how the sky looked so amazing. Listening to his talk, I'm glad I didn't get hit by a lightning bolt! Yikes! Such a great talk with lots of demonstrations keeping the audience and viewers engaged.

[thundercloud]

This is a fantastic presentation delivered with excellence!

[DeputatKaktus]

39:08
Doc: ...so you won’t be struck by lightning.
Cayla: *grinning*
Doc: Unfortunately....
Cayla: O.o

[medom]

59:30 we used on everyday electricity untamed shutdowns
So i think i have the wisdom "experience-wise" to give u some preventive tips:
A- since ur mobile device is 2014 or newer.
*- install any enjoyable offline game.
*- pack ur entertainment ;), who knows it's never enough.
B- don't go out, the dogs think it's the planet of apes i mean dogs

[tensevo]

For greater impact for home viewers you could pass the audio and video cables close to the electrical demonstrations to get live interference - giving more immersion.

[-_Nuke_-]

So... I had to wait for 25 years untill this man makes me understand what volts realy are...
shame on my teachers on school...

[theblueadventurer]

I knew this video would not disappoint. Wish this guy would be my teacher in university.

[billhopen]

this dude is a high voltage teacher...greatshow

[mixolydian]

Little boy playing with feathers is funny at 31:00. Cheers for the lecture great fun for all the kids there.

[zack_]

Fantastic demonstration of electricity at the scientifically most prestigious room👏👏👏 The best live science lecture ever seen!

[polomolo]

Very entertaining and educative. I enjoyed watching it till the end.