All About Microscopes

Magnification: The number of times bigger an image is than the actual object
Resolution: The ability to distinguish between two separate points.
Magnification= Image / Actual Size
Light microscope: The limit of resolution is usually half of the wavelength of the radiation used to
view the specimen. Visible light ranges from the wavelength of 700nm (red light) to 400nm (violet
light).
Transmission electron microscope: A ray of electrons passes through the specimen. Only the
electrons which pass are seen.
Scanning electron microscope: The electrons scan the surface of the specimen. Only the ones
which are reflected are seen.
All electron microscopes:
Inside them there must be a vacuum so that the electrons do not collide with particles and
scatter, preventing us from getting a sharp image.
All specimens must be dead as water boils at room temperature in a vacuum.
Even though they are only black and white computers can make false-colour images.
Feature

Light microscope

Transmission electron
microscope

Scanning electron
microscope

Source of radiation

Light

Electrons

Electrons

Wavelength of radiation
used

400-700nm

0.005nm

0.005nm

Maximum resolution

200nm

0.5nm

3-20nm

Lenses

Glass

Electromagnets

Electromagnets

Specimen

Living, non-living, dead

Non-living or dead

Non-living or dead

Stains

Coloured dyes

Heavy metals

Heavy metals

Image (colour)

coloured

black and white

black and white

Image (dimensions)

2D

2D

3D

Size of microscope

relatively small

large

large

Vacuum in microscope

No vacuum necessary

Must have vacuum

Must have vacuum