What are nanoparticles?

Nanoparticles are small particles with a diameter of between 1 and 100nm.

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Can you see nanoparticles with the naked eye (without a microscope)?

No, they are far too small.

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What is nanoscience? 

Nanoscience is the field of research that focuses on nanoparticles. It looks at the properties and applications of nanoparticles.

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Do nanoparticles have a high or low surface area to volume ratio? Why?

They have a high surface area to volume ratio, because they’re so tiny.

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Give 4 uses of nanoparticles.

  1. Catalysts.
  2. To deliver medicines.
  3. Electrical circuits.
  4. In wound dressings and surgical masks.

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Why do nanoparticles make good catalysts?

They have a high surface area to volume ratio, so only a small amount of the material will be needed to have a large effect.

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How could spherical fullerenes be used in medicine?


They can help deliver drugs around the body / into our cells.

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Why are silver nanoparticles often infused into wound dressings and surgical masks?

Silver nanoparticles have antibacterial properties (they kill microorganisms).

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Why do some people oppose using nanoparticles?

Nanoscience is a relatively new field, and we don’t fully understand how nanoparticles work. They may have negative effects on the body, so some people think we shouldn't use them until we fully understand their effects.

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