The nanochemistry trail

By Peter Borrows2009-03-01T00:00:00

Source: Jupiterimages

Peter Borrows takes us on another excursion into local chemistry

Nanochemistry is everywhere, so why not look for evidence of the very small on a walk around town? By doing a few calculations we can highlight to youngsters just how small atoms and molecules really are. The calculations are similar to the familiar 'oil drop experiment' but presented in an everyday context. Although there are many questionable assumptions and approximations, the tasks do produce some interesting ballpark figures.

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