Nanoparticles
I can compare the sizes of microscopic and submicroscopic ‘particles’ using scientific notation, as well as discuss a variety of applications using nanoparticle technology.
Nanoparticles
I can compare the sizes of microscopic and submicroscopic ‘particles’ using scientific notation, as well as discuss a variety of applications using nanoparticle technology.
Lesson details
Key learning points
- The prefixes milli-, micro-, nano-, and pico-, in this order, subdivide a metre into smaller and smaller divisions.
- Nanoparticles are 1-100 nm in size, and are larger than atoms and molecules.
- The smaller a particle, the bigger its surface area to volume ratio.
- Nanotubes are very small and extremely strong fibres that are thermal and electrical conductors.
- Nanoparticles have many applications; new applications for nanoparticulate materials are an important area of research.
Common misconception
Students might think all nanoparticles are hazardous without considering their varied applications and benefits.
Clarify that while nanoparticles may pose risks, they also offer significant benefits in medicine, technology, and environmental protection, with risks varying by type and usage.
Keywords
Nanometre - A unit used to measure very small things (10⁻⁹ m or one billionth of a metre).
Nanoparticle - A very small particle (1 to 100 nm in size).
Standard form - Written in the form of a × 10ⁿ, where 1 ≤ a < 10, n can be any positive or negative integer.
Nanoparticulate - Any material consisting of nanoparticles.
Surface area to volume ratio - The total amount of surface area of an object divided by its volume.
Licence
This content is © Oak National Academy Limited (2024), licensed on Open Government Licence version 3.0 except where otherwise stated. See Oak's terms & conditions (Collection 2).
Video
Loading...
Starter quiz
6 Questions
Exit quiz
6 Questions
Unit used to measure very small things.
A very small particle.
A material made of nanoparticles.
The total surface area of an object divided by its volume.