Can Our Eyes See Objects in the Nanoscale?

[kyphysics]

If so, what are some examples? If not, what is the smallest thing our eyes can see?

 

[Nugatory]

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

 

[k9b4]

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.

 

[sophiecentaur]

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.

 

[davenn]

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

 

[sophiecentaur]

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.

 

[davenn]

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

 

[sophiecentaur]

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