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Bulk and surface properties of matter including nanoparticles (chemistry only)
This chemistry-only topic introduces nanoscale materials, surface-area effects, standard form and risk-benefit evaluation of nanoparticle applications.
17
Objectives
85
Flashcards
85
Questions
90 min
Study time
AQAGCSEChemistryBonding, structure, and the properties of matter
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Start revising Bulk and surface properties of matter including nanoparticles (chemistry only)
Syllabus checklist
What you need to know
17 objective pages available
Sizes of particles and their properties10 objectives
- (chemistry only) Define nanoscience as the study of structures from 1 nm to 100 nm.
- (chemistry only) Describe nanoparticles as structures of the order of a few hundred atoms.
- (chemistry only) Compare nanoparticle dimensions with typical atom and molecule dimensions.
- (chemistry only) Compare nanoparticles with fine particles and coarse particles using given size information.
- (chemistry only) Use standard form when comparing particle sizes in metres and nanometres.
- (chemistry only) Explain that surface area to volume ratio increases as particle size decreases.
- (chemistry only) Use simple cube models to relate size changes to surface area to volume ratio.
- (chemistry only) Explain why nanoparticles can have different properties from the same material in bulk.
- (chemistry only) Explain why smaller quantities of nanoparticles may be effective because of high surface area to volume ratio.
- (chemistry only) Make order-of-magnitude comparisons for nanoscale particles.
Uses of nanoparticles7 objectives
- (chemistry only) Describe that nanoparticles have applications in medicine.
- (chemistry only) Describe that nanoparticles have applications in electronics.
- (chemistry only) Describe that nanoparticles have applications in cosmetics, sun creams and deodorants.
- (chemistry only) Describe that nanoparticles can be used as catalysts.
- (chemistry only) Explain why new nanoparticle applications are an active area of research.
- (chemistry only) Evaluate advantages and disadvantages of nanoparticles for a specified purpose when given information.
- (chemistry only) Explain possible risks associated with nanoparticle use.
Key terms
nanosciencenanoparticlenanoscaleatomfine particlestandard formsurface area to volume ratiosimple cube modelbulk materialnanoparticlesapplications in medicineelectronics applications
Exam tips
- Understand Nanoscience: Remember to memorize the definition of nanoscience as the study of structures from 1 nm to 100 nm. Link your answer to Sizes of particles and their properties in Bulk and surface properties of matter including nanoparticles (chemistry only), and keep the biology specific to chemistry only.
- Understand Nanoparticle Structure: Remember that nanoparticles are typically made up of a few hundred atoms, which gives them unique properties compared to bulk materials.
Common mistakes
- Misunderstanding Nanoscience Definition: Emphasize that nanoscience specifically focuses on structures within the size range of 1 nm to 100 nm.
- Misunderstanding Nanoparticle Size: Remember that nanoparticles are specifically defined as structures of the order of a few hundred atoms.
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