The highest achievable resolving power of a microscope is limited only by the wavelength used; that is, the smallest item that can be distinguished has dimensions about equal to the wavelength. Suppose one wishes to “see” inside an atom. Assuming the atom to have a diameter of 100 pm, this means that one must be able to resolve a width of, say, 10 pm. (a) If an electron microscope is used, what minimum electron energy is required? (b) If a light microscope is used, what minimum photon energy is required? (c) Which microscope seems more practical? Why?

College Physics
11th Edition
ISBN:9781305952300
Author:Raymond A. Serway, Chris Vuille
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Chapter1: Units, Trigonometry. And Vectors
Section: Chapter Questions
Problem 1CQ: Estimate the order of magnitude of the length, in meters, of each of the following; (a) a mouse, (b)...
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The highest achievable resolving power of a microscope is
limited only by the wavelength used; that is, the smallest item
that can be distinguished has dimensions about equal to the
wavelength. Suppose one wishes to “see” inside an atom.
Assuming the atom to have a diameter of 100 pm, this means
that one must be able to resolve a width of, say, 10 pm. (a) If an
electron microscope is used, what minimum electron energy is
required? (b) If a light microscope is used, what minimum photon
energy is required? (c) Which microscope seems more practical?
Why?

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