An electron microscope achieves much higher resolution than a light microscope because

  • A. electrons travel faster than light
  • B. the de Broglie wavelength of a fast electron is far shorter than the wavelength of visible light
  • C. electrons are smaller than photons
  • D. it uses a stronger lens

Explanation

Resolution is limited by wavelength, and accelerating electrons to high speed gives them a wavelength of the order of a picometre, thousands of times shorter than visible light. Magnetic lenses then focus them in place of glass. Electrons certainly do not travel faster than light, which rules out the first option immediately.

Related questions