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Study Guide |
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Meet the Scientists Links & Resources | Teacher Resources
Overview "The principles of physics, as far as I can see, do not speak against the possibility of maneuvering things atom by atom. It is not an attempt to violate any laws; it is something, in principle, that can be done; but in practice, it has not been done because we are too big." The field of nanotechnology is rapidly advancing. It’s a field in which scientists try to manipulate things at the molecular and atomic level. A nanometer (nm) is one billionth of a meter, or 10-9 meters. Nanotechnology has a wide range of applications such as drug delivery, water filtration, nanofilms to coat surfaces, nanotubes to strengthen materials, nanoscale transistors, and solar plastics. Quantum mechanics plays an important role in the field of nanotechnology. Quantum mechanics is different than classical physics, and substances behave differently at the atomic and molecular level. Scientists take advantage of the novel properties that substances have at the nanoscale to benefit our everyday lives. Why This Science Matters
Nanotechnology is having a greater and greater impact on our lives. Scientists are using nanotechnology to develop cost-effective methods to harness renewable energy and ways to reduce pollution. Doctors are working to detect diseases at earlier stages and treat terminal diseases with more effective and safer medicines. Nanotechnology is a rapidly advancing interdisciplinary field that integrates biology, chemistry, physics, and engineering. Although the ability to drastically miniaturize big things, as portrayed in the film and book “The Fantastic Voyage,” is still science fiction, there are many nanotechnologies currently in use. They are not just found in the research laboratory. You can find nanoparticles in many consumer products, such as sunscreen, cosmetics and sports gear.
Teacher Credit: Lesson developed by Hanqing Pan. |
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