Transmission Electron Microscope vs Scanning Electron Microscope - Compare and contrast table in A Level and IB Biology

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Created by: charleywalker
Created on: 03-05-17 09:26

Transmission Electron Microscope vs Scanning Electron Microscope

Similarities

Both require whole system to be in a vacuum so living specimens cannot be observed
Complex staining process required for both
Image may contain artefacts, which are things that result from way specimen is prepared

Differences

SEM directs beam of electrons on to surface of specimen from above whereas the TEM penetrates from below
SEM has a lower resolving power than a TEM
Specimens have to be extremely thin for TEM, whereas they can be thicker when using the SEM

Overall comparison

TEM produces 2D images with a higher resolution, whereas SEM produces 3D images with a lower resolution

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