1.9 - Nanoparticles

teeny tiny

What is the symbol for nanometres?

nm

What is the symbol for micrometres?

μm

What is the symbol for millimetre?

mm

What is the symbol for metres?

m

How do you convert nanometres to micrometres?

divide by 1000

How do you convert micrometres to millimetres?

divide by 1000

How do you convert millimetres to metres?

divide by 1000

What is a nanoparticle?

very small particles, only containing a few hundred atoms

How big can nanoparticles be?

1-100 nm

How are nanoparticles different from their bulk chemical?

they have very different properties

What is are examples of nanoparticles?

fullerenes, which are nanoparticles derived from carbon, with very different properties from ordinary lumps of carbon

What is the equation for surface area to volume ration?

surface area to volume ratio = surface area ÷ volume

What surface area to volume ratio do nanoparticles have?

nanoparticles have a high surface area to volume ratio

Why do nanoparticles have a high surface area to volume ratio?

as particles decrease in size, the size of their surface area increases in relation to their volume so their surface area to volume ratio increases

What happens as a cube decreases by the factor of 10?

the SA:Vol increases by a factor of 10

Why are nanoparticles good catalysts?

their large surface area to volume ratio

What makes nanoparticles so reactive?

As a cube decreases by a factor of 10, the SA:Vol increases by a factor of 10 so more atoms can be in contact with the reactant

What are uses of nanoparticles?

•  Medical treatments

•  Cosmetics, deodorants and sunscreens

•  Electronics

•  Catalysts

•  Fabrics

What are the potential risks of nanoparticles?

• large surface area makes them dangrous

• potential heath hazard if nanoparticles get into the atmostsphere

• may ener the bloodstream with unpredictable effects on our cells

• washing clothing with nanoparticles could eneter aquatic enviroments and accumalate in organism

Why does the large surface area of nanoparticle make them dangerous?

A spark near a large amount of nanoparticle catalysts could cause an explosion

Why could nanparticles be a health hazard?

tiny particles may damage the lungs