Nanoparticles

• What are nanoparticles?

  Very tiny particles between 1 and 100 nanometers
• What is the field of science that studies nanoparticles?

  Nanoscience
• What is a key feature of nanoparticles?

  They have a large surface area to volume ratio
• Why does the surface area to volume ratio increase as particles get smaller?

  Volume decreases faster than surface area
• How does the surface area of nanoparticles benefit their use as catalysts?

  More surface area speeds up chemical reactions
• What is one application of nanoparticles in medicine?

  Delivering drugs directly to cells
• What are fullerenes made of?

  Carbon atoms
• How could nanoparticles be used in electronics?

  To create tiny electrical circuits
• What property do silver nanoparticles have?

  Antibacterial properties
• How are silver nanoparticles used in healthcare?

  Infused into surgical masks and dressings
• What is a concern regarding the effects of nanotechnology?

  Its effects on our bodies are not fully understood
• How do nanoparticles in sunscreen benefit skin protection?

  They provide better skin coverage against UV rays
• What is uncertain about nanoparticles in sunscreen?

  If they can enter the body and cause damage
• What happens to nanoparticles when washed into the sea?

  Their environmental impact is not fully known
• What is a potential risk of nanoparticles in the environment?

  They could be damaging in some way