The smallest thing a microscope can see depends on the type of microscope used.
Types of Microscopes and Their Limits
Microscopes are tools that magnify very small objects, making them visible to the human eye. Different types of microscopes have different capabilities:
Light Microscopes
- What they see: Light microscopes are commonly used in biology and medicine. They use light to magnify objects.
- Size limit: According to the provided reference, light microscopes can see objects as small as 0.2 micrometres (0.2 thousandths of a millimetre or 2 x 10-7 m).
- Example: This means that light microscopes can view things like individual bacteria and some cell structures.
Electron Microscopes
- What they see: Electron microscopes use electrons instead of light to create an image. This allows for much higher magnification and resolution.
- Size limit: The reference states that the most powerful electron microscopes can see objects as small as an atom, which is about one ten-millionth of a millimetre or 1 angstrom (10-10 m).
- Example: Electron microscopes are used to observe viruses, molecules, and the detailed structure of cells.
Summary Table
| Microscope Type | Smallest Object Visible |
|---|---|
| Light Microscope | 0.2 micrometres (2 x 10-7 m) |
| Electron Microscope | 1 angstrom (10-10 m) |
Key Takeaway
The ability to see small things varies greatly between microscope types. Light microscopes are suitable for viewing relatively larger microscopic objects such as cells and bacteria. On the other hand, electron microscopes are needed to visualize incredibly small structures like atoms.
