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Multiple Choice
Which type of microscope achieves the greatest resolution and highest magnification?
A
Dissecting (stereo) microscope
B
Compound light microscope
C
Scanning electron microscope (SEM)
D
Transmission electron microscope (TEM)
Verified step by step guidance
1
Understand the key terms: Resolution refers to the ability of a microscope to distinguish two close objects as separate, while magnification refers to how much larger an object appears compared to its actual size.
Review the characteristics of each microscope: A dissecting (stereo) microscope is used for low magnification and provides a 3D view of specimens. A compound light microscope uses visible light and lenses to magnify specimens, but its resolution is limited by the wavelength of light. A scanning electron microscope (SEM) provides detailed 3D surface images but does not achieve the highest resolution or magnification.
Focus on the transmission electron microscope (TEM): TEM uses a beam of electrons that passes through a thin specimen, allowing it to achieve extremely high resolution and magnification. This is because the wavelength of electrons is much shorter than that of visible light, enabling finer detail to be observed.
Compare the capabilities: TEM surpasses the other microscopes in both resolution and magnification due to its use of electron beams and advanced imaging techniques.
Conclude that the transmission electron microscope (TEM) achieves the greatest resolution and highest magnification among the options provided.