Properties and Risks of Nanoparticles

Compare 'nano' scale dimensions to the typical dimensions of standard atoms and molecules.
Describe the relationship between surface area and volume for particles of different sizes, and explain how this mathematical ratio heavily influences physical and chemical properties.
Describe how the distinct properties of nanoparticulate materials relate to their applications, particularly properties arising from their scale, surface area, and specific atomic arrangements in tubes or rings.
Explain the physical and chemical properties of fullerenes and graphene directly in terms of their molecular structures.
Explain the potential risks and hazards associated with specific nanoparticulate materials, including potential health implications arising from their small size and high surface area.
Assess the reasons for the current disparity between the volume of data regarding nanoparticle applications and the data available regarding their potential health effects.
Evaluate the relative risks and benefits associated with utilizing nanoparticles for different commercial and medical purposes.
Estimate the size and scale of atoms and nanoparticles, recognizing that nanotechnology involves the manipulation of structures between 1 and 100 nanometres in size.
Utilize measurements expressed in nanometres to compare the relative sizes of nanoparticles, atoms, and molecules.
Interpret, systematically order, and calculate using figures written in standard form when analyzing nanoparticles.

What you need to know