The science - and magic - of photochemistry provides the theme of the next Irish Times RDS Science Today lecture at the RDS Concert Hall on Tuesday, November 10th, at 2 p.m.
The lecture, which starts with an explosion and ends with the launch of a rocket, is designed to explain the importance of photochemistry in our modern world. Photochemistry forms the basis of photography, but is also applied in medicine, communications and electronics.
The Science Today autumn demonstration lecture is designed to appeal to school pupils aged from 12 to 18.
The format is lively and engaging and the two presenters, Prof Andrew Mills and Dr Peter Douglas, of the University of Swansea, have a decade of experience in showing the entertaining side of science.
The Concert Hall will be in darkness for the first half of the lecture as the presenters show how light can be generated electrically, thermally and chemically and explain how photoluminescence works.
When the lights go up for the second half, Prof Mills and Dr Douglas will show how light can be used to destroy pollutants, how sunlight can be changed into electricity or used to split water into oxygen and hydrogen.
Students will learn but will also be entertained by the series of experiments. There is a nominal ticket charge of £1 for those attending the lecture. Those wishing to attend the photochemistry lecture or to bring student groups should contact Ms Carol Power, science development executive at the RDS. Phone (01) 668-0866 to make bookings.
Individuals must phone to reserve a place and may then pay on entry to the Concert Hall. Student groups must also be booked by phone and then paid for in advance by a cheque made payable to the RDS. A teacher must accompany any student group but the teacher may enter free of charge.
The Science Today lectures are part of an ongoing commitment by The Irish Times and the RDS to improve the public understanding and awareness of science and its contribution to society. The spring lecture brings a prominent internationally known scientist to Ireland to deliver a formal public awareness lecture. The autumn lecture is designed to appeal in particular to school pupils and involves a lively presentation with experiments that explain some aspect of science.