Chemicals are a YouTube hit

Chemicals are an unexpected hit on YouTube after chemistry academics at the UK's University of Nottingham posted 121 videos of the elements of the periodic table and dangerous experiments, according to this TV clip on the BBC website.

So far, the clip of sodium fizzing violently and igniting has been watched more than 99,000 times since it was posted three weeks ago.

Wild-haired internationally renowned chemist Professor Martyn Poliakoff, who introduces many of the elements, said the clips were aimed at a wide audience and were designed to boost interest in the subject.

Click here to see the chemical clips.

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