(6) Microscopes are inherently limited in resolution by the wavelength they use. How much smaller detail can be resolved, with an electron microscope that uses electrons that have been accelerated through a potential difference of 20 million volts, than with a visible-light microscope that uses red light, with A= 5.0 x 10-7 m? (Recall that U = qV, where U = electric potential energy, q = electron charge and V = the potential difference.)

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Chapter1: Units, Trigonometry. And Vectors
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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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### Understanding the Limitations of Microscope Resolution

Microscopes are fundamentally restricted in their resolution by the wavelength of the light or particles they use. This text explores how much smaller details can be resolved when using an electron microscope compared to a visible-light microscope.

#### Electron vs. Visible-Light Microscopy

- **Electron Microscope**: Utilizes electrons that have been accelerated through a potential difference of 20 million volts.
- **Visible-Light Microscope**: Uses red light with a wavelength (\(\lambda\)) of 5.0 x 10<sup>-7</sup> meters.

#### Theoretical Background

The resolution limit is tied to wavelength; shorter wavelengths allow finer detail resolution. In electron microscopy, electrons are accelerated, achieving much shorter wavelengths than visible light.

#### Key Formula

- **Electric Potential Energy**: \( U = qV \)
  - \( U \) = electric potential energy 
  - \( q \) = electron charge 
  - \( V \) = potential difference

Understanding these principles enables scientists and researchers to choose the appropriate microscope for observing very fine details at a molecular or even atomic level.
Transcribed Image Text:### Understanding the Limitations of Microscope Resolution Microscopes are fundamentally restricted in their resolution by the wavelength of the light or particles they use. This text explores how much smaller details can be resolved when using an electron microscope compared to a visible-light microscope. #### Electron vs. Visible-Light Microscopy - **Electron Microscope**: Utilizes electrons that have been accelerated through a potential difference of 20 million volts. - **Visible-Light Microscope**: Uses red light with a wavelength (\(\lambda\)) of 5.0 x 10<sup>-7</sup> meters. #### Theoretical Background The resolution limit is tied to wavelength; shorter wavelengths allow finer detail resolution. In electron microscopy, electrons are accelerated, achieving much shorter wavelengths than visible light. #### Key Formula - **Electric Potential Energy**: \( U = qV \) - \( U \) = electric potential energy - \( q \) = electron charge - \( V \) = potential difference Understanding these principles enables scientists and researchers to choose the appropriate microscope for observing very fine details at a molecular or even atomic level.
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