Chapter 17, Problem 9A

Individual atoms cannot be seen with visible light; yet there is an image of individual atoms in Figure 17.4. Explain.

To determine

To Explain: The individual atoms cannot be seen with visible light, yet there is an image of individual atoms.

Explanation of Solution

Introduction:

The smallest particle of an element is atom. The wavelength of visible light is much greater than the size of an atom.

To see the atom, the wavelength of light can be nearly equal to atomic size. A high energy electron beam’s wavelength is much smaller than the wavelengths of visible light. The image was taken with a very thin electron beam in scanning electron microscope.

Conclusion:

The image of individual atoms was taken by scanning electron microscope using an electron beam.