that in the very near future, we might be able to manipulate atoms and molecules using tiny nanorobots, perhaps in our bloodstream, curing all manner of medical problems. This is not currently possible and may take a very long time to develop, if it is actually possible at all. So, let’s explore the truth of what nanotechnology is all about.


Many applications make use of the very large surface area-to-volume ratios that are achievable with nanoparticles. This is used successfully in batteries, for example, where the chemical reaction benefits from a good surface area-to- volume ratio at the anode and cathode.


Oh, dear … sadly, I see that we’ve run out of time. There is so much more to say about nanotechnology. This means that I’ll have to ask you to do some research please. You will be divided into four groups to work on the following subjects. Group one will look at the history of nanotechnology. Group two will look at current applications. Group three will research the implications of nanotechnology in terms of safety and ethical issues. And finally, group four will look at the future of nanotechnology.


Unit 5, Lesson 5.3, Exercise C ≤1.26 1 'seminar 2 re'search 3 di'scussion 4 'silicon 5 ma'terials 6 vi'scosity 7 de'vice 8 a'ssignment 9 'polymer


10 'outline 11 engi'neer 12 'practical


Unit 5, Lesson 5.3, Exercise D ≤1.27


Fundamentally, in terms of design, MEMS devices are made using similar techniques to those used to make silicon chips.


In other words, the devices are usually planar and assembled in layers.


Well, this might sound like electronics, and it does, obviously, have a lot in common with electronics.


120


But remember that MEMS is also about micro- mechanical systems – I mean, things that actually move.


What’s interesting is that in order to make devices work, engineers need to use techniques such as the finite element method for stress analysis.


As a matter of fact, it’s the same method that structural engineers use to analyze buildings!


Unit 5, Lesson 5.4, Exercise B ≤1.28


Extract 1 LECTURER: OK, Jack and Leila, what have you found out about the safety and ethics of nanotechnology?


JACK: Well, first of all, we did an Internet search.


LEILA: We watched a great music video on YouTube!


Extract 2 LECTURER: Stick to the topic, please! Did you try anything else?


LEILA: Well, we went to visit Professor Meyer here at the college who is working on nanotechnology. We had a brief conversation with her and she was interested in our project.


JACK: That’s rubbish! She was obviously too busy to talk to us.


Extract 3


LECTURER: Leila, can you give us some examples of the safety concerns with nanotechnology?


LEILA: Yes, we found that there are lots of safety concerns about nanoparticles such as carbon nanotubes. If released into the atmosphere and inhaled, they could be quite dangerous for humans and animals, in a similar way to asbestos dust.


LECTURER: What does everyone else make of this? Evie – what about you?


EVIE: Well, erm … I don’t really know …


Extract 4 LECTURER: Jack, did you find any evidence of nanoparticles being harmful?


JACK: Sure. Apparently some companies put silver nanoparticles into socks so that they don’t smell. However, when the socks are washed, the silver nanoparticles find their way into the wastewater and destroy useful bacteria in the sewage system.


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