235k views
5 votes
Is higher resolution obtained in a microscope with red or blue light? Explain your answer.

a) Higher resolution is obtained with red light due to its longer wavelength.
b) Higher resolution is obtained with blue light due to its shorter wavelength.
c) Resolution is independent of the color of light.
d) Resolution is maximized when using a combination of red and blue light.

1 Answer

1 vote

Final answer:

Higher resolution is achieved with blue light in microscopes because blue light has a shorter wavelength than red light, enabling better differentiation between closely spaced details.

Step-by-step explanation:

Higher resolution in a microscope is obtained with blue light due to its shorter wavelength. The concept of resolution is related to the ability of the microscope to distinguish between two points as separate, which is essential for creating clear, detailed images. The resolution is affected by the wavelength of the light used: shorter wavelengths, like those of blue light, have the capability to resolve smaller details compared to longer wavelengths such as red light. Additionally, electron microscopes can achieve even higher resolution than optical microscopes using light, as they utilize electron beams with much shorter wavelengths for imaging. It is important to note that while greater magnification can make objects appear larger, it is the resolution that determines how clear and detailed the magnified image will be.

User Adam Erickson
by
7.1k points