Question

Explain the following terms giving one example for each.
i.) Micelles
ii.) Aerosol

Answer 1

Hint: Micelles are the aggregate molecules present in the colloidal solution. These spherical particles have size of 2 to 20 nm. The detergents we use at home form micelles to absorb the oil in clothes. Aerosol is a suspension of solid or liquid particles in a gas. The clouds of nano size in air is an example of aerosol.

Complete step by step answer:
Let us see the terms one by one.
1.) Micelles :- These may be defined as the aggregates of surfactant molecules which are dispersed in the solution forming colloidal suspension. These form amphiphilic structures. Such structures have a hydrophilic head which loves water and a hydrophobic tail which hates water. Thus, the hydrophilic head part forms bond with water while the hydrophilic tail forms bond with the oil. These are usually spherical in shape but in some cases we find ellipsoid, cylindrical or bilayer micelles also. Actually the shape and size of a micelle depend upon the various factors. These are solution concentration, pH, temperature and geometry of surfactant molecules etc.
Micelle formation has a very large number of applications. It is important for absorption of fat soluble vitamins and lipids in the human body. This has wide application in targeted drug delivery as gold nanoparticles.

2.) Aerosol :- It may be defined as the suspension of solid particles or liquid droplets in the air or some other gas. There are basically two types of aerosols. One category is the natural one which is produced automatically in nature by natural activities. Such natural aerosols are :- fog, mist and dust etc.
The second category involves the anthropogenic aerosols. These are produced due to human activities. Actually the word anthropogenic means the effect of human activities on the environment. Such a category involves aerosols as:- particulate air pollutants and smoke etc.

Note: It must be noted that anthropogenic aerosols are not directly produced by humans. Actually what happens is that these are produced as results of human activities. The aerosols are harmful and can lead to various breathing problems. The aerosol particles radius is used to categorise aerosol particles.