Topic 9- Nano particles

Question 1

How tiny are the nano particles?

Answer 1

Really tiny particles, 1-100 nano-meters across are called nano-particles.

Question 2

How do you convert nano-particles to meters?

Answer 2

1 nm= 0.000 000 001 m

10-9

Question 3

Which fullerenes are nano- particles?

Answer 3

The fullerenes include nano tubes.

Question 4

What is a nano tubes?

Answer 4

• Tiny hollow carbon tubes

Question 5

Why is a nano tube strong?

Answer 5

Because of it’s covalent bonds.

Question 6

What happens particles as they decrease in size?

Answer 6

As the particles decrease in size, the size of their surface area increases in relation to their volume

• So their surface area to volume ratio increases.

Question 7

Do nano particle s have a larger surface area?

Answer 7

Yes

Question 8

How is having a large surface area an advantage for the nano particles?

Answer 8

• This gives them different properties from larger particles, because a much greater proportion of their atoms are available to interact with substances they come in contact with.

Question 9

What can nano particles do due to their large surface area?

Answer 9

They can make a good catalyst.
This is because reactions take place on the surface of catalysts, so the bigger the surface area the more collisions there will be and so the faster the reaction.

Question 10

How can nano-particles be used in cosmetics?

Answer 10

Sunscreens have been made using nano- particles

The small particles provide better protection but don’t leave white marks on the skin.

Question 11

How can nano-particles be used in medicine?

Answer 11

• The fullerens are absorbed more easily by the body than most particles.
• This means they could deliver drugs right into the cells where there’re needed.
• Can be used a lubricant coatings for artificial joints.

Question 12

How cant hey be used in circuits?

Answer 12

Nano-tubes conduct electricity so the can be used in tiny electric circuits for computer chips.

Question 13

How can nano-particles be used in sports equipment?

Answer 13

Nano-particles are added to plastics in sports equipment.

They make the plastic much stronger and more durable without adding much mass.

Question 14

How can nano-particles be used in surgical mask?

Answer 14

Silver nano-particles are added to the polymer fibre used to make surgical masks and wound dressing. This gives the fibres antibacterial properties.

Question 15

Why can nano-particles be seen as harmful to health?

Answer 15

• They way they affect the body isn’t fully understood.
• Could have harmful effects on human health
• Don’t know the side effects or long-term impacts on health
• For example nano-particles don’t breakdown easily so they could start to build up causing problems like lung inflammation, if they’re breathed in.

Question 16

Why is important to test new products?

Answer 16

To minimize the risks.

Question 17

How do you calculate the surface are to volume ratio?

Answer 17

surface are to volume ratio= surface area/ volume