AQA GCSE Chemistry (8462), Higher tier · Bonding, structure and the properties of matter › Nanoparticles
Practise Uses of nanoparticles. 11 exam-style questions on this subtopic, at up to four difficulty levels, with full mark schemes and a progress tracker. Free, no account needed.
Written for this site in the style of AQA exam questions. They are not taken from real past papers.
Question 1Easy4 marks
Nanoparticles have many applications.
(a) Give two areas in which nanoparticles are used.[2]
(b) Silver nanoparticles are added to some wound dressings. Suggest why.[1]
(c) Give one possible risk of using nanoparticles.[1]
Show the answer and mark scheme
(a)Answer: e.g. medicine; sun creams
medicine
electronics
cosmetics
sun creams
deodorants
catalysts
(b)Answer: They kill bacteria.
they kill bacteria / are antibacterial / prevent infection
(c)Answer: They may be absorbed into the body and harm cells; their long-term effects are not known.
may be breathed in / absorbed into the body or cells and cause harm / long-term effects are unknown / may harm the environment
Question 2Medium5 marks
Some sun creams contain nanoparticles of titanium dioxide. The nanoparticles absorb or reflect harmful ultraviolet (UV) light. Older sun creams contained larger particles of titanium dioxide, which left a white layer on the skin.
(a) Suggest two advantages of using nanoparticles of titanium dioxide in sun cream.[2]
(b) Suggest two reasons why some people are concerned about using nanoparticles in sun cream.[2]
(c) Explain why a smaller mass of titanium dioxide is needed when it is used as nanoparticles.[1]
Show the answer and mark scheme
(a)Answer: Better skin coverage and more effective protection from UV; the cream does not leave a white layer.
better skin coverage
more effective protection from UV light / less needed
does not leave a white layer / is invisible on the skin
(b)Answer: The nanoparticles might pass through the skin into cells, their long-term effects are unknown, and they may harm the environment when washed off.
nanoparticles may pass through the skin / into the body or cells
long-term health effects are not yet known
nanoparticles washed off into the sea / water may harm organisms / the environment
(c)Answer: Nanoparticles have a much higher surface area to volume ratio.
nanoparticles have a (much) higher surface area to volume ratio
Question 3Hard6 marks
Some socks contain silver nanoparticles. Here is some information about these socks.
Silver nanoparticles kill the bacteria that cause bad smells.
The socks can be worn more times between washes.
Only a very small mass of silver is needed.
Some silver nanoparticles are released into waste water every time the socks are washed.
Waste water treatment works use bacteria to break down sewage.
The long-term effects of silver nanoparticles on the environment and on human health are not fully known.
Evaluate the use of silver nanoparticles in socks. Use the information and your knowledge of nanoparticles.[6]
Show the answer and mark scheme
Answer: Benefits: less smell, fewer washes (saving water and energy), little silver needed because of the high surface area to volume ratio. Risks: silver released in washing could kill useful bacteria in treatment works and harm wildlife; possible health effects are unknown. A justified judgement is needed.
silver nanoparticles kill bacteria, so the socks smell less
the socks are washed less often, saving water, energy and detergent
only a small mass of silver is needed because nanoparticles have a high surface area to volume ratio, so the cost is low
silver nanoparticles are released into waste water when the socks are washed
they could kill the useful bacteria in waste water treatment works, so sewage is not broken down properly
they could harm living organisms in rivers / the environment
nanoparticles may be absorbed through the skin / into cells, and the long-term effects on health are unknown
the socks become less effective as the silver is washed out
a justified conclusion, e.g. the benefit (less smell) may not outweigh the possible environmental risks until more research has been done
Marked with levels of response: the full level descriptors are in the app.