Question 1: Define inertia and describe its role in the operation of nanotechnological devices.

Answer: Inertia is the property of an object to resist changes in its state of motion; in nanotechnology, it determines how nanoscale components respond to forces and maintain stability.

Question 2: Explain why a nanoscale particle with a very small mass has less inertia compared to a larger object.

Answer: Because inertia is directly proportional to mass, a smaller mass at the nanoscale results in less resistance to changes in motion.

Question 3: What principle of Newton's Laws is primarily associated with inertia?

Answer: Newton's First Law

Question 1: A nanoparticle of aluminium with a mass of 5 x 10^-15 kg is at rest. If a force of 1 x 10^-9 N is applied, calculate its acceleration. (Use Newton's second law: F = m × a)

Answer: a = F / m = (1 x 10^-9 N) / (5 x 10^-15 kg) = 2 x 10^5 m/s^2

Question 2: A nanoscale device experiences a force of 2 x 10^-10 N and has a mass of 1 x 10^-14 kg. What is its acceleration?

Answer: a = (2 x 10^-10 N) / (1 x 10^-14 kg) = 2 x 10^4 m/s^2

Question 1: Describe a hypothetical experiment to measure the inertia of a nanoscale particle. Include variables to be controlled and safety precautions.

Answer: An experiment could involve applying a known force to a nanoscale particle suspended in a fluid, measuring its acceleration using atomic force microscopy. Variables include particle mass, force magnitude, and environmental conditions. Safety precautions include handling nanomaterials in a controlled environment to prevent inhalation or contamination.

Question 2: Identify two factors at the nanoscale that could affect the measurement of inertia and explain how.

Answer: Surface forces such as Van der Waals forces and Brownian motion can influence inertia measurements by causing additional resistance or movement at the nanoscale.

Question 1: A nanorobot designed for medical applications needs to move precisely within the human body. Its mass is 2 x 10^-15 kg. If it experiences a force of 3 x 10^-10 N, what is its acceleration? How does inertia affect its movement?

Answer: a = (3 x 10^-10 N) / (2 x 10^-15 kg) = 1.5 x 10^5 m/s^2; High inertia at this scale requires precise force control to achieve desired movements.

Question 2: Explain how understanding inertia at the nanoscale can improve the design of nanomachines used in electronics or medicine.

Answer: Understanding inertia helps engineers predict how nanomachines respond to forces, allowing for precise control of movement and stability. It informs material choice and structural design to minimise unwanted resistance, optimise energy efficiency, and ensure reliable operation within biological or electronic environments.