Nanoparticles

Question 1

what is the size of nanoparticles

Answer 1

between 1 to 100nm in diameter

Question 2

1nm =

Answer 2

1 x 10 -9 metres

Question 3

what are nanoparticles used in

Answer 3

sunscreens
skin care creams
antibacterial sports socks
as catalysts
self cleaning windows and clothes

Question 4

why is the nanopartculate titanium dioxide used in sunscreens

Answer 4

it is transparent because it is particles are very small and it absorbs harmful UV radiation

Question 5

why are silver nanoparticulates added to fibres in socks

Answer 5

silver kills bacteria

Question 6

why are nanoparticles good catalysts

Answer 6

they have a very large surface area : volume ratio

Question 7

what are some possible risks of nanoparticles

Answer 7

they could be breathed in, absorbed through the skin or pass into cells
they could catalyse harmful reactions in the body
insoluble nanoparticles that penetrate skin or lung tissue can cause organ damage

the risks of nanopartciles to health and environment are difficult to determine and to measure as they have not been used for very long