nanoarticles flashcards

All 16 cards

1. Card 1

   Define the term 'nanoparticles' based on their size.

   Nanoparticles are particles with a diameter between 1 and 100 nanometres. They typically contain only a few hundred atoms, making them significantly smaller than fine particles.

2. Card 2

   Distinguish between coarse particles, fine particles, and nanoparticles based on their diameter ranges.

   Coarse particles (PM10) have diameters greater than 2500 nm. Fine particles (PM2.5) have diameters between 100 and 2500 nm. Nanoparticles are the smallest, with diameters ranging from 1 to 100 nm.

3. Card 3

   Explain why nanoparticles may have different properties from the same materials in bulk form.

   Nanoparticles possess a very high surface area to volume ratio compared to their bulk counterparts. This increased surface area available for reaction or interaction causes them to exhibit different chemical and physical properties.

4. Card 4

   How does the surface area to volume ratio change as the size of a cube decreases?

   As the side of a cube decreases, its surface area to volume ratio increases. Specifically, if the side of a cube decreases by a factor of 10, the surface area to volume ratio increases by a factor of 10.

5. Card 5

   Why is a high surface area to volume ratio an important feature in catalysis?

   A high surface area to volume ratio means there is more surface area available for chemical reactions to occur. This leads to better catalytic efficiency, as more reactant molecules can interact with the catalyst's surface simultaneously.

6. Card 6

   Provide an example of a specific industrial application where nanoparticles are used due to their high surface area to volume ratio.

   The main industrial application of nanoparticles is in catalysis. For instance, nanoparticles of titanium dioxide are used in sunscreens, where their high surface area allows for effective UV light blocking and better coverage.

7. Card 7

   How does titanium dioxide in nanoparticle form differ in application from its bulk form?

   Titanium dioxide in nanoparticle form is used in sunscreens to block UV light without leaving white marks. In contrast, the same chemical in bulk form is used as a white pigment in paints.

8. Card 8

   Describe two applications of fullerenes in nanotechnology.

   Fullerenes are used in medicine and drug design because they are easily absorbed and can deliver drugs to target areas effectively. They are also utilized in electronic circuitry and as coatings for artificial limbs and joints.

9. Card 9

   Explain the benefit of using silver nanoparticles in medical clothing and surgical masks.

   Silver nanoparticles are sprayed onto the fibers of medical clothing and surgical masks to provide antibacterial properties. This allows the material to retain its flexibility while gaining the added benefit of silver's antimicrobial action, acting as a built-in deodorant for clothing.

10. Card 10

    What is nanoscience, and how does it relate to nanotechnology?

    Nanoscience is the field of study concerned with understanding phenomena and manipulating materials at the nanoscale. Nanotechnology refers to the research into the production and application of nanoscience, essentially the practical implementation of nanoscience principles.

11. Card 11

    Discuss a significant disadvantage or risk associated with the use of nanoparticles.

    A significant disadvantage is the lack of understanding regarding their potential long-term health effects. Since their use is in early stages, there could be undetected long-term side effects, and even a small amount of toxicity could be amplified due to their high surface area to volume ratio.

12. Card 12

    Why is caution advised regarding the medical application of nanoparticles, particularly concerning toxicity?

    Caution is advised because even a small amount of toxicity in a particular nanoparticle would be multiplied due to its high surface area to volume ratio. Additionally, nanoparticles are not easily disposed of by the body, raising concerns about potential accumulation and long-term effects.

13. Card 13

    A fine particle has a diameter of 1500 nm. How many times larger is this than a nanoparticle with a diameter of 15 nm?

    To find out how many times larger the fine particle is, divide the diameter of the fine particle by the diameter of the nanoparticle: 1500 nm / 15 nm = 100. The fine particle is 100 times larger than the nanoparticle.

14. Card 14

    If a micrometre is 1×10⁻⁶ of a metre and a nanometre is 1×10⁻⁹ of a metre, how many nanometres are in one micrometre?

    To find out how many nanometres are in one micrometre, divide the value of a micrometre by the value of a nanometre: (1×10⁻⁶ m) / (1×10⁻⁹ m) = 1×10³. Therefore, there are 1000 nanometres in one micrometre.

15. Card 15

    A particle is described as PM2.5. What does the '2.5' refer to in this classification?

    In the term PM2.5, the '2.5' refers to the particle size in micrometres. This classification indicates that the fine particles have a diameter of 2.5 micrometres or less.

16. Card 16

    Why are atoms and simple molecules considered much smaller than nanoparticles?

    Atoms and simple molecules are around 100 times smaller than nanoparticles. Nanoparticles themselves typically contain a few hundred atoms, whereas atoms and simple molecules are the fundamental building blocks, making them significantly smaller in scale.

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