C2.3 - Properties Of Materials

Question 1

Why can carbon form so many different compounds?

Answer 1

Carbon has 4 electrons in the outer shell, so each carbon tom can form up to 4 covalent bonds

Question 2

Why does graphite conduct electricity, despite having a giant covalent structure?

Answer 2

It has delocalised electrons that can move freely between the layers of graphite

Question 3

How big is a nanoparticle?

Answer 3

1-100nm across

Question 4

Why do nanoparticle materials have different properties than the same substance in bulk?

Answer 4

They have a larger surface area to volume ratio, making them more reactive

Question 5

What are the potential risks of nanoparticles?

Answer 5

They are so tiny that they can easily be breathed in, absorbed by skin or passed into cells
They might take a long time to break down once in the environment
Scientists are unfamiliar with a lot of the potential risks associated by nanoparticles