Nanotechnology

Question 1

How big is nanotechnology?

Answer 1

The same size as some molecules, nanoparticles are 1-100nm, 1 nanometer is one millionth of a millimetre.

Question 2

How can nanoparticles occur?

Answer 2

They can occur naturally (in seaspray), by accident (smallest particulates from combustion of fuels), and by design (on purpose)

Question 3

Do silver particles have the same properties as silver nanoparticles and why?

Answer 3

They do not, nanoparticles have a far larger surface area for their volume so their properties are very different

Question 4

How can we use nanoparticles to modify properties of materials? (examples)

Answer 4

The use of silver nanoparticles gives fibres antibacterial properties, used in socks etc.
Adding nanoparticles to plastics in sports equipment can make them stronger.

Question 5

Why are nanoparticles not used at every level of society and why are people against them?

Answer 5

There are claims and concerns that some nanoparticles may have harmful effects on health as many are being introduced before these effects have been
fully investigated