Understanding:
• Electron microscopes have a much higher resolution than light microscopes
Electron microscopes use electron beams focused by electromagnets to magnify and resolve microscopic specimens
- Transmission electron microscopes (TEM) generate high resolution cross-sections of objects
- Scanning electron microscopes (SEM) display enhanced depth to map the surface of objects in 3D
Electron microscopes have two key advantages when compared to light microscopes:
- They have a much higher range of magnification (can detect smaller structures)
- They have a much higher resolution (can provide clearer and more detailed images)
Some disadvantage of electron microscopes are that they cannot display living specimens in natural colours
Resolution: Light versus Electron Microscopy
Select Microscope
Light
Electron
Magnification: Light versus Electron Microscopy
