The highest achievable resolving power of a microscope is limited only by the wa

Question

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. If an electron microscope is used, what minimum electron energy is required? keV If a light microscope is used, what minimum photon energy is required? keV Which microscope seems more practical? Why? The electron microscope, since it needs more energy. The electron microscope, since it needs less energy. The light microscope, since it needs less energy. Both are equally practical, since they require about the same energy. The light microscope, since it needs more energy.

Explanation / Answer

b ) Minimum photon energy is  E = h c /                                                    E   = 6.625*10-34 J s * 3*108m/s * ( 1.6*10-19 J ) / 10 *10-3nm                                                      =   1240 eV nm / 10 *10-3 nm                                                      = 1.2*105 eV                                                      = 120 k eV

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