what is the simplest way to explain "nano-technology" to a lay person?

Answer 1

micro-scopic robots

Answer 2

I am of the older generation and whilst in my day at work I was a bit of a WHIZZ on the IBM set up. Now I just hope for the best and I am constantly being amazed at the continuing advance of technology. I recall 'crystal wireless ' and of course taking the accumulator to the local shop each week for charging. I have only recently gone over to the Internet with Broadband,- whatever that means !
Please hit me with this NANO-TECHNOLOGY thing, I really am interested to learn all I can. Will read all your replies with interest - good luck.

Answer 3

Nano means very very very small. Nanotechnology is a branch of technology dealing with the manufacture of objects that are very very very small. Typically the dimensions or size of these objects are less than 100 nanometres. A nanometre is one thousand millionth of a metre or 1 metre divided by 1,000,000,000. That should give the lay person an good idea of how small very very very small is!

Answer 4

I would say science and design at atomic and sub atomic level but hear is an extraction From Wikipedia


Nanotechnology is a field of applied science focused on the design, synthesis, characterization and application of materials and devices on the nanoscale. Nanotechnology is a sub classification of technology in colloidal science, biology, physics, chemistry and other scientific fields and involves the study of phenomena and manipulation of material at the nanoscale, in essence an extension of existing sciences into the nanoscale. Two main approaches are used in nanotechnology: one is a "bottom-up" approach where materials and devices are built up atom by atom, the other a "top-down" approach where they are synthesized or constructed by removing existing material from larger entities. A unique aspect of nanotechnology is the vastly increased ratio of surface area to volume present in many nanoscale materials, which opens new possibilities in surface-based science

Answer 5

It depends on whether the lay person wants a detailed answer or just a very short one.

The first two answers (Ashley and KoZ) do a good job of saying essentially what nano-technology is.

Its tempting to say, just keep your answer very, very small :)

Answer 6

Nanotechnology is a field of applied science focused on the design, synthesis, characterization and application of materials and devices on the nanoscale. Nanotechnology is a sub classification of technology in colloidal science, biology, physics, chemistry and other scientific fields and involves the study of phenomena and manipulation of material at the nanoscale, in essence an extension of existing sciences into the nanoscale. Two main approaches are used in nanotechnology: one is a "bottom-up" approach where materials and devices are built up atom by atom, the other a "top-down" approach where they are synthesized or constructed by removing existing material from larger entities. A unique aspect of nanotechnology is the vastly increased ratio of surface area to volume present in many nanoscale materials, which opens new possibilities in surface-based science, such as catalysis. This catalytic activity also opens potential risks in their interaction with biomaterials.

The impetus for nanotechnology has stemmed from a renewed interest in colloidal science, coupled with a new generation of analytical tools such as the atomic force microscope (AFM) and the scanning tunneling microscope (STM). Combined with refined processes such as electron beam lithography, these instruments allow the deliberate manipulation of nanostructures. These new materials and structures have in turn led to the observation of novel phenomena such as the “quantum size effect” where the electronic properties of solids are altered with great reductions in particle size. This effect does not come into play by going from macro to micro dimensions. However, it becomes dominant when the nanometer size range is reached. Nanotechnology is also used as an umbrella term to describe emerging or novel technological developments associated with microscopic dimensions. Despite the great promise of numerous nanotechnologies such as quantum dots and nanotubes, real applications that have moved out of the lab and into the marketplace have mainly utilized the advantages of colloidal nanoparticles, such as suntan lotion, cosmetics, protective coatings and stain resistant textiles.

Answer 7

just say it is technology to make things very small. imagine a pencil dot, and being able to squeeze a thousand words into that dot. That's what nano is all about.

Answer 8

Manipulating things that are of the order of nano metres in size. A nano metre is 0.000000001 metres.

Answer 9

Pictures, most people are visual learners.

Make sure you use verbal communication also, that helps to reinforce the pictures.

Then when you are done, write some stuff down, maybe throw in some math for the wow factor.

Answer 10

nanotechnology simply describes techniques and machines smaller than 100 nanometers across. As we reach this smallest size at which objects are objects and not just quantum fuzz, we reach some extremes in technology. smaller machines are faster, cheaper in terms of resources, and more efficient in operation in many cases.

Answer 11

Computers so small that they can be put into your bloodstream.
That small.
They can be used to treat heart related problems.
And a many other uses.
Like a computer the size of a penny.