Type of microscopes 2.1.1

Question 1

Give three advantages of using light microscopes

Answer 1

• Relatively cheap
• Easy to use
• Portable

Question 2

Give a disadvantage of a light microscope

Answer 2

Cant be used to view cells that have a diameter less than 200nm

Question 3

What is the maximum magnification of a light microscope?

Answer 3

x2000

Question 4

What is the maximum resolution of a light microscope

Answer 4

200nm

Question 5

Give 3 advantages of a laser scanning microscope

Answer 5

• High resolution and contrast
• Observe whole living specimens
• Can focus at different depths to produce 3D images.

Question 6

Give a disadvantage of a laser scanning microscope

Answer 6

Very expensive

Question 7

What is the maximum magnification of a laser scanning microscope?

Answer 7

Approx x2000

Question 8

What is the maximum resolution of a laser scanning microscope?

Answer 8

Lateral = 250nm
Axial = 600nm

Question 9

What are the two types of electron microscopes?

Answer 9

Transmission and scanning

Question 10

Give an advantage of a transmission electron microscope

Answer 10

• Very high magnification (x1mil) and resolution (0.2nm)

Question 11

Give 2 disadvantages of a transmission electron microscope

Answer 11

• Requires high skill and training
• Specimen has to be dead

Question 12

What is the maximum magnification of a transmission electron microscope

Answer 12

x1 million

Question 13

What is the maximum resolution of a transmission electron microscope?

Answer 13

0.2nm

Question 14

Give an advantage of a scanning electron microscope

Answer 14

• Gives clear 3D images, and colour can be added

Question 15

Give 2 disadvantages of a scanning electron microscope

Answer 15

• Very expensive
• Specimens must be dead as it uses a vacuum.

Question 16

What is the maximum magnification of a scanning electron microscope?

Answer 16

x2 million

Question 17

What is the maximum resolution of a scanning electron microscope?

Answer 17

10nm