# Silver nanoparticles are being incorporated into the fabric of some sports clothing to reduce bacterial growth and odour. Explain why silver nanoparticles are more effective at doing this than using the same mass of bulk silver.

> Edexcel GCSE Chemistry (1CH0) — 9.2 Bulk and surface properties of matter, including nanoparticles (Chem only) · Explain · 4 marks

> Silver has well-known antibacterial properties. Manufacturers are now weaving silver nanoparticles directly into sports clothing fibres.

## Mark scheme (4 marks)

1. Nanoparticles have a much larger surface area to volume ratio than bulk silver
2. More silver atoms are exposed / in contact with bacteria at the surface
3. This means there is more contact between the silver and bacteria / the silver can interact with more bacterial cells
4. Nanoparticles can exhibit different properties to the same material in bulk / nanoparticles may have enhanced antibacterial properties compared to bulk silver

## Key terms

- [nanoparticles](https://www.gradenine.co.uk/glossary/nanoparticles)
- [bulk](https://www.gradenine.co.uk/glossary/bulk)

## Related

- [Revision notes for Edexcel GCSE Chemistry (1CH0)](https://www.gradenine.co.uk/learn)
- [How to answer "Explain" questions](https://www.gradenine.co.uk/tools/command-word-cheatsheet)
- [Practice this with AI marking (free)](https://www.gradenine.co.uk/start)

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Source: [GradeNine](https://www.gradenine.co.uk/q/silver-nanoparticles-are-being-incorporated-into-04c518bc) · Published by Druglandscape Ltd.