What are the key learning points about nanoparticles?
Nanoparticles are particles which are between 1 and 100 nanometres in size and contain a few hundred atoms.
Nanoparticles have a wide range of potential uses, though there are some concerns their use could have unwanted effects.
What are nanoparticles?
Nanoparticles are particles which are between 1 and 100 nanometres (nm) in size and are made up of a few hundred The smallest particle of an element. We often think of atoms as tiny spheres, but in fact they are made from smaller particles called protons, neutrons and electrons..
One nanometre is 1 × 10-9m or 0.000000001 m.
The properties of nanoparticles are different from those of the same atoms in bulk such as powders, lumps or sheets.
For example, a nanoparticle of gold will behave differently to a lump of gold, even though they both contain the same type of atom.
Why are nanoparticles used in sun cream?
The interesting properties of nanoparticles mean they have a wide range of potential uses.
Nanoparticles are already common in sun creams.
There are some benefits and concerns of using nanoparticles in sun creams.
| Benefits | Concerns |
|---|---|
| Better skin coverage | Nanoparticles may enter cells and cause cell damage |
| Better protection from the sun’s Rays that originate from the sun. Over-exposure to these rays can be harmful for humans. rays | Could wash off skin and cause harm to the environment |
| Colourless once rubbed onto skin | Risks are difficult to determine as nanoparticles have not been in use for very long |
How much do you know about nanoparticles?
More on Structures, trends, chemical reactions, quantitative chemistry and analysis
Find out more by working through a topic
- count5 of 9
- count6 of 9
- count7 of 9
- count8 of 9
