Physics: Principles with Applications (7th Edition)

Published by Pearson
ISBN 10: 0-32162-592-7
ISBN 13: 978-0-32162-592-2

Chapter 25 - Optical Instruments - Misconceptual Questions - Page 739: 8

Answer

Choice D.

Work Step by Step

Equation 25-9 shows that the resolving power of a microscope is approximately equal to the wavelength of the radiation being used. In other words, it’s impossible to resolve details that are about a factor of two smaller than the wavelength of the light. Molecular structures are hundreds of times smaller than the wavelength of visible light. X-rays can be used to resolve them.
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