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: The [[Surface Area to Volume Ratio|surface area to volume ratio]] of [[nanoparticles]] is much higher than large [[Volume (Space)|volumes]] of the same [[substance]]. It is this large [[Surface Area|surface area]] compared to the [[Volume (Space)|volume]] that gives it the different [[property|properties]].
: In 'bulk' [[material]]s a very small proportion of [[atom]]s exist on the surface of the [[material]]. However, for [[nanoparticles]] a much larger proportion of [[atom]]s exist on the surface allowing those [[particle]]s to interact with others around it.
===Risks of Nanoparticles===
: [[Inhale|Inhaling]] [[nanoparticles]] may damage the [[lungs]]. Recent research has suggested [[Carbon Nanotube]]s may be [[harmful]] if [[inhale]]d.
: [[Nanoparticle]]s of certain [[reactivity|reactive]] [[metal]]s [[Chemical Reaction|react]] very quickly with [[Oxygen]] due to their large [[Surface Area]] which could result in an [[explosive|explosion]] if ignited.
===Examples===
*[[Zinc Oxide]] - [[Nanoparticles]] of [[Zinc Oxide]] are used in [[Sunscreen]] to [[absorb (Physics)|absorb]] [[UV]] [[light]]. [[Zinc Oxide]] normally forms a white powder, but [[nanoparticles]] of [[Zinc Oxide]] are smaller enough not to for a white layer over the [[skin]].
*[[Silver]] - [[Nanoparticles]] of [[Silver]] can prevent the growth of [[Micro-organism]]s.
*[[Catalyst]]s - [[Nanoparticles]] of [[Catalyst]]s are far more efficient than larger [[particle]]s due to their very large [[Surface Area|surface area]].
*[[Nanocage]]s - A [[nanocage]] made of [[Carbon]] in the form of a [[Fullerene]] or a [[Carbon Nanotube]] can contain a [[drug]] so it can be delivered to the right location in the body.