Explain5 marksChallenge
A student is investigating the resolution of microscopes. They calibrate an eyepiece graticule using a stage micrometer and measure that their light microscope can just distinguish two points that are 200 nm apart. For the same specimen, a transmission electron micrograph shows details as small as 0.2 nm, and a scanning electron micrograph resolves details up to 1 nm.
| Microscope type | Resolution limit (nm) |
|---|---|
| Light microscope | 200 |
| Transmission electron microscope | 0.2 |
| Scanning electron microscope | 1 |
Explain, with reference to the data in the table, why electron microscopes have a much higher resolution than light microscopes. In your answer, also clarify the difference between resolution and magnification.