Nanoscience

Question 1

What is a nanoparticle?

Answer 1

Nanoparticles are particles that are 1-100 nanometres in size. They usually contain a few hundred atoms.

Question 2

List 6 uses of nanoparticles

Answer 2

• Medicine
• Suncream
• Cosmetics
• Clothing
• Electronics
• Deodorants

Question 3

What are disadvantages of using nanoparticles in medicine, suncream, cosmetics & deodorants, clothing and electronics?

Answer 3

MEDICINE:
• long term effects are not known
SUNCREAM:
• can clump together
• small enough to penetrate the skin and accumulate in the body
• the long term effects are not yet known
COSMETICS&DEODORANTS:
• can penetrate the skin and pores which accumulates in the body and cell membranes if put on skin or near the mouth
CLOTHING:
• when the clothes are washed, silver nanoparticles are transferred to waste water.
• the effects on the environment are not yet known
ELECTRONICS:
• very expensive

Question 4

Properties of nanoparticles

Answer 4

Flexible, strong, good conductors of electricity
Nanoparticles of any substance have a high surface area to volume ratio

Question 5

Advantages of nano particles

Answer 5

Rapidly deliver drugs, kills bacteria, more effective sun cream, good for teeth, kills odours

Question 6

How does surface area: volume ratio affect material properties?

Answer 6

Much less is needed to have the same effect as the same bulk material