Comparing Microscopes

Question 1

What are the advantages of light microscopes?

Answer 1

easy to use, cheap to buy, and colored image

Question 2

What are the disadvantages of light microscopes?

Answer 2

much lower resolution and magnification, can’t see small organelles such as ribosomes

Question 3

What are the advantages of SEM?

Answer 3

much better magnification and res. than light microscopes

the wavelength of electrons are shorter than light microscopes

3D image is formed

dont need to slice a thin section

Question 4

What are the disadvantages of SEM?

Answer 4

lower magnification and resolution than T.E.M

Can’t see the internal structures

Question 5

What are the advantages of a TEM?

Answer 5

better magnification and resol. than S.E.M

shorter wavelength of electrons than light

allows internal structures to be seen

Question 6

What are the disadvantages of a TEM?

Answer 6

cant look at living cells

specimens need to be in a vacuum

need to use a thin slice of specimen - which can create artefacts

doesnt form color images