How does an electron microscope achieve its high resolution?

How does an electron microscope achieve its high resolution?

• A. By using a light source to illuminate specimens
• B. It uses a beam of X-rays
• C. It focuses a beam of electrons through the specimen
• D. By creating a vacuum around the specimen

Answer: (C)

An electron microscope achieves its high resolution primarily by focusing a beam of electrons through the specimen. Unlike light microscopes, which use visible light to illuminate and magnify specimens, electron microscopes utilize electrons, which have much shorter wavelengths than light waves. This shorter wavelength allows for much greater resolution, enabling the observation of fine details at the nanometer scale. The interaction of electrons with the specimen leads to the generation of images with higher clarity and detail. Additionally, because electrons can be manipulated using electromagnetic fields, precise focusing becomes possible, further enhancing resolution. While other factors, such as creating a vacuum around the specimen, contribute to the performance of electron microscopes by preventing scattering and ensuring a clear path for the electron beam, the core reason for their high resolution lies in the use of electrons instead of light.

An electron microscope achieves its high resolution primarily by focusing a beam of electrons through the specimen. Unlike light microscopes, which use visible light to illuminate and magnify specimens, electron microscopes utilize electrons, which have much shorter wavelengths than light waves. This shorter wavelength allows for much greater resolution, enabling the observation of fine details at the nanometer scale. The interaction of electrons with the specimen leads to the generation of images with higher clarity and detail. Additionally, because electrons can be manipulated using electromagnetic fields, precise focusing becomes possible, further enhancing resolution.

While other factors, such as creating a vacuum around the specimen, contribute to the performance of electron microscopes by preventing scattering and ensuring a clear path for the electron beam, the core reason for their high resolution lies in the use of electrons instead of light.