Question

The distance between atoms in a molecule is about 10^(-8) cm. Can visible light be used to "see" molecules?

a) Yes, because visible light has a wavelength smaller than the atomic distance.
b) No, because visible light has a wavelength larger than the atomic distance.
c) Visibility depends on the color of visible light.
d) Molecules can only be seen using X-rays.

Answer 1

No, visible light cannot be used to "see" molecules because its wavelength is larger than the atomic distance.

Step-by-step explanation:

No, visible light cannot be used to "see" molecules because its wavelength is larger than the atomic distance.

The distance between atoms in a molecule is about 10-8 cm, while the wavelength of visible light ranges from 380 to 760 nm (or 3.8 x 10-5 to 7.6 x 10-5 cm).

This means that visible light cannot resolve the individual atoms in a molecule. Instead, special techniques such as electron microscopy or X-ray crystallography are used to visualize the structure of molecules at the atomic level.