Source: BBC Radio 4: Today Programme
URL: N/A
Date: 28/03/2013
Event: The most common molecule in the universe - carbon dioxide?
Attribution: BBC Radio 4
People:
Sarah Montague: Now Melvyn Bragg will be presenting "In Our Time" at 9 o'clock, as usual, this morning, so let's hear what's in his programme. Good morning, Melvyn.
Melvyn Bragg: Good morning, Sarah. We'll be talking about water. yes, water - water everywhere. It's forever been a crucial aspect of human and animal life. It coats virtually every surface, and it's the second most common molecule in the universe. However, it was only lately, in the 18th century, at the time of what's called the "Chemical Revolution", that we began to understand its true nature, most of all that it wasn't an element but a molecule composed of different types of atoms, hydrogen and oxygen - H2O. Then began a European daisy chain, with one discovery after another. We know now, for instance, that there are no fewer than 15 different types of ice. Water's notable for a number of unique properties, most of which, I hope, will be discussed by Hasok Chang, Andrea Sella and Patricia Hunt. Sadly, the happy notion that every snowflake is different, might have to be challenged. You can't win them all, Evan.
Evan Davis: What's the most common molecule in the universe?
Melvyn Bragg: Ah, that would be, that would be...
Sarah Montague: Carbon dioxide?
Evan Davis [laughing]: Topic for another programme? [?]
Melvyn Bragg: Such a surprise to talk to you that it's gone completely out of my mind. [They are laughing.] Listen in at 9:05 - the first thing I'll say.
Evan Davis: Thanks, Melvyn. The weather...