Electron Microscope Homework: Resolving Power of Atom

In summary, the highest achievable resolving power of a microscope is limited by the wavelength used. To "see" inside an atom with a diameter of 100 pm, one must be able to resolve a width of 10 pm. To achieve this, the minimum electron energy required can be calculated using the de Broglie wavelength and the effects of an electric field on charged particles.
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Homework Statement


The highest achievable resolving power of a microscope is limited only by the wavelength used; that is, the smallest item that can be distinguished has dimensions about equal to the wavelength. Suppose one wishes to "see" inside an atom. Assuming the atom to have a diameter of 100 pm, this means that one must be able to resolve a width of, say, 10 pm. If an electron microscope is used, what minimum electron energy is required?

Homework Equations


I don't know.


The Attempt at a Solution


I don't know how to begin with this problem.
 
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FAQ: Electron Microscope Homework: Resolving Power of Atom

1. What is an electron microscope?

An electron microscope is a type of microscope that uses a beam of electrons instead of light to magnify objects. It allows scientists to see extremely small objects at a much higher resolution than traditional light microscopes.

2. How does an electron microscope work?

An electron microscope works by passing a beam of electrons through a thin sample. The electrons interact with the atoms in the sample, producing a magnified image that can be viewed on a screen or captured with a camera.

3. What is the resolving power of an electron microscope?

The resolving power of an electron microscope refers to its ability to distinguish between two closely spaced objects. It is measured in nanometers and can range from 0.2nm to 0.5nm, depending on the type of electron microscope.

4. How does the resolving power of an electron microscope compare to a light microscope?

The resolving power of an electron microscope is much higher than that of a light microscope. While a light microscope can only resolve objects that are a few hundred nanometers apart, an electron microscope can resolve objects that are less than 1 nanometer apart.

5. How does the resolving power of an electron microscope relate to the size of atoms?

The resolving power of an electron microscope is directly related to the size of atoms. Because atoms are extremely small, an electron microscope with high resolving power is needed to see them clearly. The higher the resolving power, the smaller the objects that can be resolved, and the closer we can see individual atoms.

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