This program take a thorough look at nuclear radiation, covering the history of its discovery, what makes atoms radioactive, and methods for detecting radioactivity. The video also explains types of radiation including alpha, beta, gamma, and positron, types of decay and decay equations, decay series, radiation dose, and dose equivalence. The effects of radiation on living things and the environment, and the uses of radiation in medicine and industry are also discussed, with application to real-life situations.

From the ancient Greek concept of “atomos” to today’s fission and fusion technologies, this program guides viewers through the landscape of atomic theory and the hidden world of subatomic particles. Topics include the makeup of atomic nuclei and the factors that make them stable or unstable; the discovery and use of radioisotopes; and the difference between fission and fusion. Providing historical perspective, the video illustrates major discoveries about the nucleus and presents concise profiles of pioneering atomic physicists—such as Henri Becquerel, Irène Joliot-Curie and Frédéric Joliot, Ernest Rutherford and Frederick Soddy, and many others.

Harnessing the power of the atom is a staggering technological achievement—but how is it done, exactly? This program guides viewers through the complex science and basic operation of a nuclear power station. Outlining the nuclear fuel cycle—including mining, milling, enrichment, fabrication, storage, and reprocessing—the video looks at specific mining procedures; discusses the structure and properties of uranium hexafluoride; highlights two enrichment methods (centrifuging and gas diffusion); illustrates a fission reaction; explains how a nuclear plant uses water in various capacities; and examines the challenge of decommissioning nuclear power facilities.

Five years after the earthquake and tsunami that triggered the unprecedented trio of meltdowns at the Fukushima Daiichi nuclear power plant, scientists and engineers are struggling to control an ongoing crisis. What’s next for Fukushima? What’s next for Japan? And what’s next for a world that seems determined to jettison one of our most important carbon-free sources of energy? Despite the catastrophe—and the ongoing risks associated with nuclear—a new generation of nuclear power seems poised to emerge the ashes of Fukushima. NOVA investigates how the realities of climate change, the inherent limitations of renewable energy sources, and the optimism and enthusiasm of a new generation of nuclear engineers is looking for ways to reinvent nuclear technology, all while the most recent disaster is still being managed.