Astronomy 161 - Introduction To Solar System Astronomy - Autumn 2007

What is ordinary matter made of? This lecture reviews the basic properties of matter from subatomic to atomic scales, introducing atomic structures, atomic number and chemical elements, isotopes, radioactivity, and half-life, ending with a brief overview of the four fundamental forces of nature: gravitation, electromagnetism, and the weak and strong nuclear forces. Recorded 2007 Oct 23 in 1000 McPherson Lab on the Columbus campus of The Ohio State University.