Electron microscopes

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Electron microscopes

Advantages

  • Magnifies objects over 500,000x
  • Material rarely distorted by preparation
  • It is possible to investigate a greater depth of field
  • Can resolve objects up to 200nm

Disadvantages

  • Expensive to purchase (over £1,000,000)
  • Very large and must be operated in special rooms
  • Expensive to operate
  • All images are in black and white
  • A high vacuum is required and living material cannot be viewed
  • Preparation is lengthy and requires considerable expertise
  • Affected by magnetic fields

Evaluation

The disadvantages outweigh the advantages, suggesting it may be better to use a light microscope, however, in some circumstances an electron microscope may be best.

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