Question

Compare and contrast the structure and function of a compound light microscope and a scanning electron microscope. Be sure to discuss the structure and function of each as well as the function and usefulness of each when examining a specimen. (5 points)

Answer 1

Both the compound light microscope and the scanning electron microscope are devices used for visualizing structures too small to see them with the eye. But, they differ in many ways. Some of them are:

* → The light microscope is compact, handy, and simple to use.
  → The electron microscope is large, complicated, and requires technical skills.

* → The light microscope can be used for observation of both live and dead specimens.
   → The electron microscope can be used for observation of only dead specimens.

* → The light microscope uses light rays for illumination of the specimens.
  → The electron microscope uses electron beams to view specimens.

* → The light microscope has a magnification of up to 1,500 times.
  → The electron microscope has a magnification of up to 1,000,000 times.

* → The light microscope has lenses made of glass.
  → The electron microscope has lenses made of electromagnets.