AQA · GCSE · Chemistry
Course version: 8462 · Version from Sept 2018
Students should be able to: given appropriate information, evaluate the…
Full specification wording
Uses of nanoparticles: Students should be able to: given appropriate information, evaluate the use of nanoparticles for a specified purpose explain that there are possible risks associated with the use of nanoparticles.
When a question supplies data about a nanoparticle application, you must use that information to judge how well the particles suit the stated purpose.
Checked against the AQA 8462 specification (opens in a new tab) on .
- Point 4 of 4
- 3 key terms
Study notes
From the checked teaching notes for this specification point.
The idea
When a question supplies data about a nanoparticle application, you must use that information to judge how well the particles suit the stated purpose. Evaluation means comparing benefits such as a large surface area to volume ratio, low mass or targeted delivery with drawbacks such as possible toxicity, uncertain long-term effects and environmental impact. For example, if a question gives data showing that silver nanoparticles kill bacteria on a dressing but can also enter the bloodstream, you would weigh the infection-control benefit against the possible harm to cells. You should also explain that risks exist because nanoparticles are small enough to pass through cell membranes and their behaviour in the body or environment is not fully understood. A good answer uses the given information, reaches a clear judgement and supports it with reasons.
What earns the marks
- Select relevant data from the information provided and use it to support a judgement about the specified purpose.
- Explain a benefit of the nanoparticles in the given context, such as a large surface area to volume ratio or a small dose producing a large effect.
- Explain a possible risk, such as toxicity, entry into cells, unknown long-term effects or harm to the environment.
- Compare benefits and risks explicitly and reach a justified overall conclusion about whether the use is appropriate.
- Recognise that a risk is a possible harm, so uncertainty about long-term effects is itself a valid reason for caution.
Common mistakes and how to put them right
Describing nanoparticles in general without using the data supplied in the question.
Put it right: Quote or refer to the given figures and apply them to the stated purpose.
Writing a conclusion with no supporting comparison.
Put it right: State at least one benefit and one risk before judging.
Claiming that all nanoparticles are definitely toxic.
Put it right: Describe toxicity or other harm as a possible risk that depends on the particle, dose and situation.
Exam tips
- Underline the specified purpose and the data in the question before you start, then make every point connect to that purpose.
- Use words such as however, whereas and therefore to show that you are weighing both sides rather than listing facts.
- Keep the final judgement brief and make sure it follows logically from the points you have already made.
Try the lesson
The start of the Uses of nanoparticles: Students should be able to: given appropriate information, evaluate the use of nanoparticles for a specified purpose explain that there are possible risks associated with the use of nanoparticles. lesson, made from checked teaching notes for this specification point.
Have a go first
Which statement explains why there are possible risks associated with the use of nanoparticles?
Listen
When a question supplies data about a nanoparticle application, you must use that information to judge how well the particles suit the stated purpose. Evaluation means comparing benefits such as a large surface area to volume ratio, low mass or targeted delivery with drawbacks such as possible toxicity, uncertain long-term effects and environmental impact. For example, if a question gives data showing that silver nanoparticles kill bacteria on a dressing but can also enter the bloodstream, you would weigh the infection-control benefit against the possible harm to cells. You should also explain that risks exist because nanoparticles are small enough to pass through cell membranes and their behaviour in the body or environment is not fully understood. A good answer uses the given information, reaches a clear judgement and supports it with reasons. A strong answer earns marks for these points. Select relevant data from the information provided and use it to support a judgement about the specified purpose. Explain a benefit of the nanoparticles in the given context, such as a large surface area to volume ratio or a small dose producing a large effect. Explain a possible risk, such as toxicity, entry into cells, unknown long-term effects or harm to the environment. Compare benefits and risks explicitly and reach a justified overall conclusion about whether the use is appropriate. A common slip: Describing nanoparticles in general without using the data supplied in the question. Instead, quote or refer to the given figures and apply them to the stated purpose. Exam tip: Underline the specified purpose and the data in the question before you start, then make every point connect to that purpose.
See it
Key words
Say what each word means before you turn the card.
Evaluating evidence for a purpose
Try answering aloud or in your head before turning the card.
Risk and uncertainty in nanotechnology
Try answering aloud or in your head before turning the card.
Benefits versus drawbacks
Try answering aloud or in your head before turning the card.
See every definition
- Evaluating evidence for a purpose
- Using the information supplied in a question to judge how well nanoparticles suit the stated purpose, reaching a clear judgement supported by reasons.
- Risk and uncertainty in nanotechnology
- A risk is a possible harm, so uncertainty about long-term effects is itself a valid reason for caution, because behaviour in the body or environment is not fully understood.
- Benefits versus drawbacks
- Comparing benefits such as low mass or targeted delivery with drawbacks such as possible toxicity, uncertain long-term effects and environmental impact, then reaching a justified overall conclusion.
Label the diagram
Some boxes have lost their names. Pick the right name for each number.
1Box 1
2Box 2
3Box 3
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