Kit Chapman Books

Shortlisted for the 2020 AAAS/Subaru SB&F Prize for Excellence in Science Books Creating an element is no easy feat. It's the equivalent of firing six trillion bullets a second at a needle in a haystack, hoping the bullet and needle somehow fuse together, then catching it in less than a thousandth of a second – after which it's gone forever. Welcome to the world of the superheavy elements: a realm where scientists use giant machines and spend years trying to make a single atom of mysterious artefacts that have never existed on Earth. From the first elements past uranium and their role in the atomic bomb to the latest discoveries stretching our chemical world, Superheavy will reveal the hidden stories lurking at the edges of the periodic table. Why did the US Air Force fly planes into mushroom clouds? Who won the transfermium wars? How did an earthquake help give Japan its first element? And what happened when Superman almost spilled nuclear secrets? In a globe-trotting adventure that stretches from the United States to Russia, Sweden to Australia, Superheavy is your guide to the amazing science filling in the missing pieces of the periodic table. By the end you'll not only marvel at how nuclear science has changed our lives – you'll wonder where it's going to take us in the future.

Motor racing is the most scientifically demanding sport, blending peak physical and mental skill with advanced mechanical expertise and technological innovation. Key ideas developed during races, such as ABS brakes and crash helmets, have enhanced safety in car designs globally. Additionally, cleaner technologies tested in modern racing are influencing the creation of everyday vehicles, including electric cars and more efficient fuels and tyres. This narrative details how motorsport science has transformed the world, making it smarter and more environmentally friendly. It traces the history of motor racing, highlighting both its triumphs and tragedies, which have led to significant advancements in car design. The exploration includes the cutting-edge of engineering, human psychology, and physiology, all crucial for developing competitive cars and drivers. The author, Kit Chapman, a lifelong motorsports enthusiast, has collaborated with Virgin Racing's Formula E team to delve into the chemistry and material science behind racing cars. Through insights from industry contacts, he reveals current breakthroughs and speculates on the future of motorsport, sharing extraordinary stories like that of designer Warren Mosler, whose car was deemed too fast to race. This work combines travelogue and historical retrospective, featuring expert visits and real-life incidents that mark milestones in modern automotive development.