Vacuum Tube Amplifier
January 14, 2026 • EPISODE 293
📌 Science Fair Idea – R-51 Radio
What’s a vacuum tube amplifier? Come explore with Dr. Roger Billings on Science LIVE! Learn about the technology that made it possible to boost electrical signals and amplify sound. Discover how vacuum tubes control electron flow, why they powered early radios, audio systems, and computers, and how they shaped modern electronics. And get ready for something super exciting: carbon nanotubes – super-strong, lightweight materials that might one day help build a space elevator, opening new ways to reach space!
About DrB
Dr. Roger Billings is a visionary innovator whose work has touched the lives of millions of students and transformed the landscape of education. Widely known as “DrB” to the countless kids who benefit from his groundbreaking Acellus learning system, Dr. Billings has dedicated his life to advancing education through technology.
As part of DrB’s lifelong commitment to supporting education, Science LIVE was launched as a way to “give back” by mentoring students in conjunction with the Roger Billings Scholarship Program.
Read more about DrB »
About the Roger Billings Scholarship Program »
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Another Wednesday great lives
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hey. i heard about graphene before from dr James Tour. carbon nano tubes sound very cool-i would love a longer phone battery!
Watching From Charlotte, North Carolina. January 14, 2026
how long have you guys been doing science live
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My dad said he used to use those in his school.
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how long did it take for the cd to be made?
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How are carbon nanotubes charged?
That’s interesting.
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Can’t wait to see how carbon nanotubes advance in the science community.
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that”s such a cool story!
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If we used carbon nanotubes like we do kevlar, do you think that we could make casual clothing with the defensive properties of kevlar for the public to use?
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That’s interesting; who knew something as simple as a microscopic carbon nanotube could improve technology from a lighter tennis racket to longer battery life, to even a theoretical elevator to space?
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Nice fact about the strength and future of carbon nanotubes.
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i love this…
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this is cool!
love Science Live! so fun!
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This episode was great
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I love watching these! There’s always something new to learn!
The carbon nanotubes look so cool!
How long is the process of making a rocket ship, and taking off combined
I would like to have my phone battery last longer lol.
Did someone make a battery that does not have to charge or that does not discharge?
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How many carbon anotubes do you need to go into space?
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I actually do pay a lot of attention. 🙂
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So fun
love this!!!!
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That was interesting!
what if we made space elavators instead of using cables?
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Why does it form in a tube? Not a solid sheet or cylinder?
Would it be dangerous to enhance lithium ions for carbon nanotubes?
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Why don’t you use a square instead of a tube?
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yay science live
Have any scientists been able to come close with regards to figuring out how to mass produce carbon nano tubes?
The idea of a space elevator is super cool, it would be very interesting to see one some day.
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Cool beans!!
How similar are carbon nanotubes to carbon fiber?
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this is so interesting can you switch the cells in a battery?
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how much power does a lithium battery have?
Will space elevators ever happen? They sound so cool!!
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carbon nanotubes are so cool
what is a carbon nano-tube
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Are carbon nanotubes really that strong?
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very intriguing
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Who discovered carbon nano tubes?
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wow so interesting
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I Loved this episode! Carbon is a cool thing to learn about!
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