Final answer:
The main difference between a compound light microscope and a transmission electron microscope lies in the resolution and magnification they provide. A compound light microscope uses visible light and lenses, while a transmission electron microscope uses a beam of electrons for higher resolution and magnification.
Step-by-step explanation:
The main difference between a compound light microscope and a transmission electron microscope is the resolution and magnification they provide. A compound light microscope uses visible light and lenses to magnify and visualize the specimen. However, it has a lower resolution compared to a transmission electron microscope. On the other hand, a transmission electron microscope uses a beam of electrons instead of light, which allows for much higher magnification and resolution.
Example: If you were trying to view the fine internal structures of a cell, a transmission electron microscope would provide clearer and more detailed images compared to a compound light microscope.