Can you feel the chemistry? American scientists have shown that humans can feel the difference between just one layer of molecules. The scientists changed the molecules on the surface of silicon so that they were all hydrophilic or all hydrophobic. By changing how hard and fast they moved their fingers across the two surfaces, humans could feel the difference between them. The research is being used to design virtual reality gloves that let users feel virtual objects. This slide summarises a recent article published by Chemistry World. Use this slide as a lesson starter. Image credit: Royal Society of Chemistry Read the full article at rsc.li/2FrJUJu, published 12 January 2018

Can you feel the chemistry? American scientists have shown that humans can feel the difference between just one layer of molecules. The scientists changed the molecules on the surface of silicon so that they were all hydrophilic or all hydrophobic. By changing how hard and fast they moved their fingers across the two surfaces, humans could feel the difference between them. The research is being used to design virtual reality gloves that let users feel virtual objects. Read the full article at rsc.li/2FrJUJu, published 12 January 2018 What do you think the word ‘hydrophobic’ means? What other words is it similar to? Are you surprised that humans can feel such a small difference? Why? Why not? What else do you know about silicon or what it is used for? What could we use virtual reality for in a chemistry lesson? Would this be a good use? This slide summarises a recent article published by Chemistry World. Use this slide as a lesson starter. It also contains questions which can be used to engage pupils. Image credit: Royal Society of Chemistry Eg Hydro (hydrate, hydrogen) means water; phobic (phobia, arachnophobia) means fear. Hydrophobic repels water Eg Humans can feel small differences in temperature (air conditioning), pressure (ears popping), volume (whispers) etc. And when touching something, humans only ever feel the surface molecules anyway. Maybe this isn’t so surprising Eg – Silicon is an element. It is found on the periodic table. It is used in computer chips. It is a semiconductor. It is used in cosmetic implants. Sand contains silicon. Eg for making and looking at nuclei, molecules, collision theory; for carrying out experiments remotely so that we can feel what is happening but not be at risk