CCEA GCSE Chemistry
CCEA GCSE Chemistry 1.4 Nanoparticles Exam Questions
Free CCEA GCSE Chemistry revision for 1.4 Nanoparticles: what you need to know, common mistakes and exam-style questions with answers. Covers the size of nanoparticles, surface area to volume ratio, special properties, uses such as sun creams, and benefits and risks.
Practise 1.4 Nanoparticles with past papers
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About CCEA GCSE Chemistry 1.4 Nanoparticles
Nanoparticles is a short Unit 1 topic in CCEA GCSE Chemistry that applies ideas about structure to very small particles. You need to know the size range of nanoparticles, compare it with atoms and other particles, and explain why their very high surface area to volume ratio gives them different properties from the same material in bulk. The topic covers uses such as sun creams and the possible risks to health and the environment. It links to structures, catalysts in rates of reaction and to graphene. Examiners often ask for surface area to volume ratio calculations, conversions using nanometres and balanced evaluations of the use of nanoparticles in consumer products.
What you need to know
- Size Nanoparticles are between 1 and 100 nm across and contain only a few hundred atoms. 1 nm = 1 x 10^-9 m. Atoms and small molecules are about 0.1 nm across.
- Surface area to volume ratio For a cube, surface area = 6 x side^2 and volume = side^3. As the side length decreases by a factor of 10, the surface area to volume ratio increases by a factor of 10, so nanoparticles have a very high ratio.
- Properties Because so many atoms are at the surface, nanoparticles can have different properties from bulk material of the same substance. They can be very effective catalysts, and smaller quantities may be needed.
- Uses Nanoparticles of titanium dioxide and zinc oxide are used in sun creams because they block UV light without leaving a white layer on the skin. Other uses include catalysts, cosmetics, electronics and silver nanoparticles in antibacterial products.
- Benefits and risks Benefits include better skin coverage and protection from UV. Risks are not fully understood: nanoparticles may be absorbed through the skin or inhaled and could damage cells, and they may harm the environment when washed away.
Common mistakes in 1.4 Nanoparticles
- Converting nanometres incorrectly. 1 nm is 10^-9 m, not 10^-6 m.
- Saying nanoparticles have a large surface area. The key idea is a large surface area relative to their volume.
- Claiming nanoparticles are definitely dangerous. Their effects are not yet fully known, so long-term risks are uncertain.
- Calculating surface area of a cube as side^2 only. A cube has six faces, so surface area = 6 x side^2.
- Writing that nanoparticles are atoms. They are particles made of a few hundred atoms.
Try three 1.4 Nanoparticles exam-style questions
1. State the size range of nanoparticles. (1 mark)
Show the mark scheme answer
1 to 100 nm (1 x 10^-9 to 1 x 10^-7 m).
2. Calculate the surface area to volume ratio of a cube with sides of 10 nm and of a cube with sides of 1 nm, and state how the ratio changes. (4 marks)
Show the mark scheme answer
10 nm cube: 600 / 1000 = 0.6 nm-1; 1 nm cube: 6 / 1 = 6 nm-1; ratio increases; by a factor of 10.
3. Give one advantage and one possible disadvantage of using nanoparticles in sun cream. (2 marks)
Show the mark scheme answer
Better protection from UV or better skin coverage or not visible on the skin; may be absorbed into the body and damage cells or may harm the environment (effects not fully known).
1.4 Nanoparticles FAQs
What does CCEA GCSE Chemistry 1.4 Nanoparticles cover?
It covers the size of nanoparticles, their high surface area to volume ratio and its effect on properties, and their uses, benefits and risks, including in sun creams.
Which unit is 1.4 Nanoparticles examined in?
It is examined in the Unit 1 written paper, Structures, Trends, Chemical Reactions, Quantitative Chemistry and Analysis.
What maths do I need for nanoparticles?
Be confident with standard form, converting nanometres to metres and calculating surface area to volume ratios for cubes.
