Microscope

• Electron microscope

  • radiant source: electron
  • wavelength: 0.1-0.2 nm
  • max. magnification: ×250000
  • max. resolution: 0.5 nm
  • specimen: non-living, thin, dehydrated
  • image: black and white
• Light microscope

  • radiant source: light
  • wavelength: 400-700 nm
  • max. magnification: ×1500
  • max. resolution: 200-250 nm
  • specimen: living or non-living
  • image: coloured
• Magnification is the number of times larger an image is compared with the real size of the object
• Resolution is the ability to distinguish between two separate points, it is a measure of the clarity of the image
• magnification = size of image/actual size of specimen
• Resolving power is the minimum distance between two points, at which they can both be seen separately
• As wavelength decreases, resolution increases