Expert: Walter Hintz - 3/4/2008

Question
Hello!

I was just wondering what created the difference between a compound light and electron microscope. I know that it has to do something with the magnifying power, but I am not exactly sure of what.

Thanks!


Answer
Lenses are designed to magnify electromagnetic waves. With A light microscope light rays are bent by the geometry of the glass lens.  Their power is limited by the wave length of the light rays.  Nothing can be resolved (seen) that is smaller than the wave length.  This is because you cannot see anything unless you can see both ends of it. If the object is smaller then the wave length it falls between the peaks of the wave and cannot be seen.
An electron beam has a much smaller wave length.  The beam which has a negative charge is bent by magnetic fields.