Can Our Eyes See Objects in the Nanoscale?

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In summary, the conversation discusses the smallest object that our eyes can see. Light is required for seeing and it is reflected by causing charges to oscillate. The smallest charged particle, an electron, is considered the smallest object that can reflect light. However, visible light has a range of wavelengths and objects smaller than one wavelength may not reflect or obstruct light. The use of optical instruments such as microscopes can help in seeing smaller objects, but there are still fundamental limitations.
  • #1
kyphysics
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If so, what are some examples? If not, what is the smallest thing our eyes can see?
 
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  • #2
As with all questions of this sort, you will get better and more helpful answers if you research the question a bit yourself first. Google for "smallest object we can see", then come back here with any more specific questions you still have.

https://www.physicsforums.com/showthread.php?t=765735
 
  • #3
To see something requires light to be reflected by it. Light is reflected by causing charges to oscillate.

I would say that you cannot reflect light off of anything smaller than an electron, because I think that an electron is the smallest charged particle.
 
  • #4
It's worth noting that visible light has a range of wavelengths of about 400 to 900nm. An object that is much smaller than one wavelength will not reflect or obstruct / scatter much of the light because of the diffraction pattern. Seeing would be progressively harder an harder but there is not a simple 'cut-off' As has already been written, it would be best to read around before pursuing this thread further.
 
  • #5
kyphysics said:
If so, what are some examples? If not, what is the smallest thing our eyes can see?

With or without a microscope or other optical/electronic aid ??

there's a huge difference
 
  • #6
davenn said:
With or without a microscope or other optical/electronic aid ??

there's a huge difference
Optical instruments can help but there are fundamental limitations. Which is where the Electron Microscope comes in handy.
 
  • #7
yup which was why I said optical/electronic ;)

The OP's Q was very vague, just trying to find out what he / she really meant

Dave
 
  • #8
No response from the OP yet. Perhaps we should wait, instead of talking amongst ourselves. :)
 

1. Can our eyes see objects in the nanoscale?

No, our eyes cannot see objects in the nanoscale. This is because the nanoscale is too small for our eyes to detect. The human eye can only see objects that are larger than 0.1 millimeters, while the nanoscale is measured in nanometers, which is one billion times smaller than a meter.

2. Why can't our eyes see objects in the nanoscale?

Our eyes have a limited range of vision, and they are only able to see objects that reflect or emit light within a certain size range. Objects in the nanoscale are too small to reflect or emit enough light for our eyes to detect.

3. Can any technology help us see objects in the nanoscale?

Yes, there are technologies such as scanning electron microscopes and atomic force microscopes that can help us see objects in the nanoscale. These technologies use advanced imaging techniques to magnify and visualize objects at the nanoscale.

4. Are there any animals that can see objects in the nanoscale?

Some animals, such as certain species of insects and birds, have the ability to see objects at the nanoscale. This is because they have specialized eyes and visual systems that allow them to see ultraviolet light, which has a shorter wavelength and can detect smaller objects.

5. Why is it important to be able to see objects in the nanoscale?

Being able to see objects in the nanoscale is crucial for scientific research and technological advancements. It allows us to study and understand the properties and behaviors of nanomaterials, which can have a significant impact on various industries such as medicine, electronics, and energy production.

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