AQA GCSE Chemistry
AQA GCSE Chemistry 4.2.4 Bulk and Surface Properties of Matter Including Nanoparticles Exam Questions
Free AQA GCSE Chemistry exam questions for 4.2.4 Bulk and Surface Properties of Matter Including Nanoparticles, with a mark scheme for every pack. Covers nanoscience, sizes of nanoparticles, fine and coarse particles, surface area to volume ratio, and the uses and risks of nanoparticles.
4.2.4 Bulk and Surface Properties of Matter Including Nanoparticles exam questions
1 question pack of real past exam questions, each with its mark scheme. Do not stop after a few: answer as many as you can without notes, then mark every answer with the mark scheme. The more questions you do, the more quickly you will spot how examiners ask about each idea.
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About AQA GCSE Chemistry 4.2.4 Bulk and Surface Properties of Matter Including Nanoparticles
Section 4.2.4 is separate Chemistry only content on the AQA GCSE course. It introduces nanoscience: the study of structures between 1 and 100 nm in size. You compare nanoparticles with fine and coarse particles, calculate surface area to volume ratios, and explain why nanoparticles behave differently from the same material in bulk. It is examined on Paper 1 and links to the carbon nanostructures in 4.2.3 and to catalysts in 4.6. Exam questions often involve standard form and unit conversions, ratio calculations for cubes, and balanced evaluations of the benefits and risks of nanoparticles in products like sun creams.
What you need to know
- Nanoparticle sizes Nanoparticles are 1 to 100 nm across and contain only a few hundred atoms. 1 nm = 1 x 10^-9 m.
- Fine and coarse particles Fine particles (PM2.5) have diameters between 100 and 2500 nm (1 x 10^-7 m and 2.5 x 10^-6 m). Coarse particles (PM10) have diameters between 1 x 10^-5 m and 2.5 x 10^-6 m and are often called dust.
- Surface area to volume ratio As the side of a cube decreases by a factor of 10, the surface area to volume ratio increases by a factor of 10. Nanoparticles have a very high ratio, so smaller quantities may be needed for the same effect, for example as catalysts.
- Uses Nanoparticles are used in medicine (drug delivery), electronics, deodorants, cosmetics and sun creams (better skin coverage and protection from UV), and as catalysts. New uses are being researched.
- Risks Their small size means they may be breathed in or absorbed through the skin and enter cells, and their effects on health and the environment are not fully understood. More research is needed.
Common mistakes in 4.2.4 Bulk and Surface Properties of Matter Including Nanoparticles
- Mixing up nanometres and metres in standard form. 1 nm is 10^-9 m, so 100 nm is 1 x 10^-7 m.
- Saying the surface area increases as particles get smaller. It is the surface area to volume ratio that increases; total surface area increases only for the same total mass split into smaller particles.
- Thinking nanoparticles have the same properties as the bulk material. Their high surface area to volume ratio gives them different properties.
- Giving one-sided evaluations. Evaluate benefits and risks, and mention that long-term effects are uncertain.
- Getting the scaling wrong: dividing side length by 10 multiplies the ratio by 10, not by 100 or 1000.
Try three 4.2.4 Bulk and Surface Properties of Matter Including Nanoparticles exam-style questions
1. A cube has sides of 2 nm. Calculate its surface area to volume ratio. (3 marks)
Show the mark scheme answer
Surface area = 6 x 2 x 2 = 24 nm2; volume = 2 x 2 x 2 = 8 nm3; ratio = 24 / 8 = 3 (3:1 or 3 nm-1).
2. Give one advantage and one possible risk of using nanoparticles in sun creams. (2 marks)
Show the mark scheme answer
Advantage: better skin coverage or more effective protection from UV light (no white residue); risk: nanoparticles may be absorbed through the skin or into cells and cause harm, or may damage the environment.
3. A nanoparticle has a diameter of 50 nm. Write this in metres in standard form. (1 mark)
Show the mark scheme answer
5 x 10^-8 m.
4.2.4 Bulk and Surface Properties of Matter Including Nanoparticles FAQs
What does AQA GCSE Chemistry 4.2.4 cover?
It covers the size of nanoparticles compared with fine and coarse particles, surface area to volume ratio calculations, and the uses and possible risks of nanoparticles.
Is 4.2.4 in combined science?
No. 4.2.4 is in the separate Chemistry specification only and is assessed on Paper 1.
What maths skills do I need for nanoparticles?
You need standard form, unit conversions between nm and m, surface area and volume of cubes, and ratios. Practise showing that dividing the side length by 10 increases the surface area to volume ratio by 10.
