Advantages and Disadvantages of Electron Microscopes

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Advantages and disadvantages of light and electron microscopes: There are many differences between electron and light microscopes. In this essay I will explain the advantages and disadvantages these microscopes have and how one can be more useful than the other. The biggest advantage an electron microscope has is a higher magnification than the light microscope. It can be viewed up 1,600,000 to 2,500,000 times whilst a light microscope can go up to 1500-2000 times. This is because of their resolving power. In a light microscope, the resolving power can only be able to go 0.1-0-2 mm. Because of this it allows us to view structures that are normally not viewable by the naked eye. Scanning electron microscopes are able to see the three-dimensional external shape of an object as well as depth of field compare to light microscopes. On the other hand they have a few important disadvantages too such as the cost. Electron microscopes are more expensive so less affordable than light microscopes. Other disadvantages are related to the specimens you will be observing. Sample preparation is much more elaborated than in light microscope, a thin coating of metal is necessary in order to reflect the electrons. The sample also have to be completely dry this means, it is not possible to observe living organisms which is a huge disadvantage. This is due to the high radiation. You are able to observe using a light microscope with colors. However this is not an option in electron microscopes, this is because of the electrons, which are not colored. When this is a problem, colors are artificially added later on. Also space requirements are high and maintenance too, and a specialist is needed to use it. Light microscopes have four main advantages, one of them is the ability to observe living specimens. This is because there is no high

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