Tyndall 2013 – Powering the Future:The Physics of Fusion
The Tyndall Lectures, held throughout Ireland every January/February, use demonstrations and interactivity to enthuse schoolchildren and show how their class work relates to modern areas of physics research.
Tyndall 2013 – Powering the Future – The Physics of Fusion
Find out how the reaction that powers the sun could provide a clean energy source for the future. This exciting, interactive talk builds on everyday physics to explain:
- The physics behind the fusion reaction that powers the sun;
- How physicists are trying to replicate the fusion reaction in massive experiments at places such as JET, the world’s largest nuclear fusion experiment at Culham
- The potential for harnessing the energy produced in the fusion reaction as a future alternative to fossil fuels.
With hands-on demonstrations we will explore the challenges of creating facilities that can withstand the high temperatures of the sun in order to create the fusion reaction on earth.
Presenter
Melanie Windridge is a physicist and science communicator with experience in live presenting, television and writing.
She has a PhD in Fusion Energy from Imperial College London, and spent much of her research time at the JET research facility at Culham Centre for Fusion Energy.
Melanie makes regular TV appearances, including BBC Bang Goes the Theory, Country Tracks, My Genius Idea and James May’s Things You Need to Know About… Einstein, and has presented online podcasts.
In 2010 Melanie was the Institute of Physics Schools lecturer and spoke to over 10,000 students about fusion.
Audience: 14 – 16 year olds (with some overlap into LC Physics)
Talk Duration: 1 hour
Curriculum links include
How science works – applications and implications of science, energy resources, radioactivity, stars and fusion.
Dates and booking information
The Tyndall lecture is free but there are limited places available at each venue, so booking ahead is essential.
