Part 5: Resolution and Different Types Of Microscopes

Question 1

Define resolution (2)

Answer 1

1. The ability to distinguish between two separate points on an image
2. The resolving power of a microscope affects how much detail it can show

Question 2

If a microscope has a higher resolving power, describe how the image would look different.

Answer 2

With higher resolving power, the image produced by the microscope would have clearer and sharper details following better distinction between closely spaced objects.

Question 3

What did the invention of the electron microscope enable scientists to do?

Answer 3

It enabled biologists to see and understand more about the subcellular structures inside cells.

Question 4

Describe the two types of electron microscope. (4)

Answer 4

1. Transmission electron microscopes give 2D images with very high magnification and resolution.
2. Scanning electron microscopes give dramatic 3D images but lower magnification.

Question 5

State the maximum magnification of a light microscope.

Answer 5

×1500 to ×2000

Question 6

State the maximum magnification for an electron microscope.

Answer 6

×2000000 (2 million)

Question 7

State the advantages of light microscopes. (3)

Answer 7

1. Much cheaper than electron microscopes
2. Can magnify live specimens
3. Can be used almost anywhere/easier to use/set up

Question 8

State the advantages of using electron microscopes. (3)

Answer 8

1. High resolution
2. Scanning electron microscopes gives dramatic 3D images
3. Higher magnification than light microscopes

Question 9

State the disadvantages of using light microscopes. (3)

Answer 9

1. Most school microscopes used can only magnify several hundred times.
2. Samples must be thin and transparent to view clearly.
3. Lower magnification than electron microscopes

Question 10

State the disadvantages of using electron microscopes. (5)

Answer 10

1. Cannot view living specimens
2. Very expensive
3. Have to be kept at a special temperature, pressure and humidity-controlled rooms.
4. Large
5. Can’t view in colour

Question 11

How have developments of the microscope helped our understanding of cells? (3)

Answer 11

1. The developments of the microscope have helped us to further develop our understanding of cells and their uses in animals and plants.
2. We are also able to see how they work (biological processes)
3. The invention of the light microscope inspired the invention of the electron microscope, meaning that we can now view cells we can not see with the naked eye.