This lesson uses computer simulations of an atomic force microscope to investigate bacteria-mineral forces of interaction on the order of nanonewtons over nanoscale distances of interaction. In this lesson, students
• learn about the atomic force microscope (AFM), one of the most important tools used in nanoscale science and technology;
• see how the AFM is a versatile tool that can be used to study many things, including both organic and inorganic systems;
• discover how the AFM can be used to measure the forces of interaction among individual molecules, bacteria, and minerals;
• construct a model AFM;
• use the model AFM to generate data relating magnetic force to distance;
• plot actual research data collected from the AFM to generate a force curve; and
• relate changes in AFM force curves to changing conditions in the column experiments.