๐ฌ Transmission Electron Microscope (TEM)
- How it works: Electron beam passes through specimen
- Images: 2D, black and white, internal structures
- Resolution: 0.05 nm (4000ร better than light)
- Magnification: Up to ร2,000,000
- Specimens: Must be extremely thin, dead
- Best for: Internal organelle structure
๐ Scanning Electron Microscope (SEM)
- How it works: Electron beam scans specimen surface
- Images: 3D appearance, black and white, surface details
- Resolution: 3-10 nm
- Magnification: Up to ร500,000
- Specimens: Coated with gold/platinum, dead
- Best for: Surface structure and textures
This deep dive covers Electron Microscopes within Microscopy for GCSE Biology. Light and electron microscopes, magnification and resolution calculations, specimen preparation, staining techniques, and practical microscopy skills It is section 10 of 20 in this topic. Use this deep dive to connect the idea to the wider topic before moving on to questions and flashcards.
Practice questions for Microscopy
What is magnification?
Explain why specimens are stained before viewing under a light microscope.
Quick recall flashcards
What is magnification?
Magnification is how many times larger an image appears compared to the actual object. It tells us how much bigger something looks through a microscope.
What is resolution?
Resolution is the ability to distinguish between two separate points that are close together. It determines how clear and detailed an image is.