Nanotechnology Nanoscience and nanotechnology is the study and use of matter at extremely small scales. Nanotechnology is used in chemistry, biology, physics and engineering. It is very difficult to imagine how small these nanoscales are. For example a sheet of newspaper is about 100,000 nanometres thick. Scientists have used nanoparticles to develop materials that are stronger and lighter than other materials. Products that use nanotechnology include: l
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Sunscreens that contain nanoparticles of zinc oxide or titanium oxide which are absorbed more easily into the skin than larger particles. Car paint and eyeglass lenses use nanoparticles of aluminium silicate to increase their scratch-resistance. Computers use nanoscale transistors, allowing computers to become smaller.
Fig. 16 Researching nanomaterials. 33.4 Technology and sustainability
Technology has provided many answers for making life on earth easier. Now science is looking to technology to help us to live sustainably on Earth, so that natural resources are maintained for the future. New technologies have allowed electricity to be produced using solar and wind energy. As mentioned already, technology is being used to build more efficient cars, homes and appliances that use less energy. Nanotechnology is being used to make more efficient solar panels, to improve the amount of energy that we obtain from fuel in engines and to produce more efficient and longer- lasting batteries. Bioplastics that break down in nature have been developed to replace non- biodegradable plastics.
Fig. 17 An electric car being charged. SL
Science in Society Impact of a technology: Research and discuss a technological application of physics in terms of its impact on science, society and the environment. Choose your own topic or use one of these:
