Home / Series / BBC Documentaries / Aired Order / Season 2010 / Episode 88

Explosions: How We Shook the World

Engineer Jem Stansfield is used to creating explosions, but in this programme he uncovers the story of how we have learnt to control them and harness their power for our own means. From recreating a rather dramatic ancient Chinese alchemy accident to splitting an atom in his own home-built replica of a 1930s piece of equipment, Jem reveals how explosives work and how we have used their power throughout history. He goes underground to show how gunpowder was used in the mines of Cornwall, recreates the first test of guncotton in a quarry with dramatic results and visits a modern high explosives factory with a noble history. Ground-breaking high speed photography makes for some startling revelations at every step of the way.

English
  • Originally Aired October 14, 2010
  • Runtime 60 minutes
  • Content Rating United States of America TV-PG
  • Network BBC
  • Created December 7, 2010 by
    Administrator admin
  • Modified December 7, 2010 by
    Administrator admin
Name Type Role
Alex Freeman Director