Question 1: Explain what is meant by the term 'resultant force' in your own words.

Answer: The overall force acting on an object when all individual forces are combined, determining its acceleration or movement.

Question 2: Describe why understanding forces at the nanoscale is important for the development of nanotechnology devices.

Answer: Because at the nanoscale, forces such as Van der Waals and electrostatic forces dominate, affecting how nanodevices move, assemble, or function.

Question 1: Define 'resultant force' and give an example relevant to nanotechnology.

Answer: The net force acting on an object after combining all individual forces; for example, the combined electrostatic forces acting on a nanoparticle.

Question 2: What are two common forces that act at the nanoscale and significantly influence the behaviour of nanomaterials?

Answer: Van der Waals forces and electrostatic forces.

Question 1: A nanoparticle experiences a force of 2.5 x 10^-12 N to the right and a force of 1.0 x 10^-12 N to the left. Calculate the resultant force acting on the nanoparticle. Show your working.

Answer: Resultant force = 1.5 x 10^-12 N to the right.

Question 2: If a nanorobot experiences two forces: 3 x 10^-9 N upward and 4 x 10^-9 N downward, what is the net force acting on it? Provide your answer with units.

Answer: Resultant force = 1 x 10^-9 N downward.

Question 1: Describe a simple experimental setup to measure the force between two nanoparticles. Include the variables that need to be controlled and safety precautions.

Answer: A setup could involve using an atomic force microscope to measure forces between nanoparticles suspended in a fluid. Variables to control include temperature, solution concentration, and nanoparticle size. Safety precautions include handling nanoparticles with gloves and protective eyewear to prevent inhalation or skin contact.

Question 1: A set of data shows that when two nanoparticles are 5 nm apart, the attractive force measured is 3 x 10^-12 N. When the distance increases to 10 nm, the force decreases to 0.75 x 10^-12 N. Explain the trend observed and suggest a reason based on nanoscale forces.

Answer: The force decreases as the distance increases, consistent with the inverse-square or exponential decay of forces like Van der Waals at the nanoscale, indicating weaker interactions at larger separations.

Question 1: A nanodevice experiences multiple forces due to electromagnetic and Van der Waals interactions. Explain how the resultant force determines the movement or stability of such a device. (6 marks)

Answer: The resultant force, being the vector sum of all individual forces, dictates whether the nanodevice remains stable or moves. If the forces balance, the device is stable; if unbalanced, it accelerates or reorients. Understanding these forces allows engineers to design more reliable nanodevices.

Question 1: Discuss how controlling resultant forces at the nanoscale is crucial in the development of targeted drug delivery systems.

Answer: Controlling forces ensures that nanoparticles can accurately target specific cells or tissues, improving drug efficacy and reducing side effects by preventing premature release or aggregation of nanoparticles.

Question 2: Identify a nanotechnology industry where understanding resultant forces is essential and explain why.

Answer: In the manufacturing of nanocomposites, understanding forces helps in controlling how nanoparticles disperse and bond within the material, affecting its strength and properties.