The invention of the microscope was a huge step forward to our knowledge of almost everything. We are now able to discover things on a microscopic level. This allows us to find out about the structure of cells and what they do. We were able to discover our genes and why we are how we are. Without the microscope we would not have been able to cure all the diseases that have developed. Everyday new things are being discovered and a part of that is because of this helpful tool.

 

Magnification and Resolution:

Magnification is when we make smaller things appear larger or in other words enlarging it. We enhance or sight and allow ourselves to be able to see things that are so small that we cannot see it with the naked eye. The larger we can get it to be, the more detail we can find out. Things that we need a microscope to see are microscopic. Resolution is the ability to find the minimum distance between two objects – the ability to distinguish between two different point.

 

Electron and Light Microscope:

Both microscopes are are good at looking at things that are far too small to see with the naked eye. One uses electrons and one uses photons/light. Electron microscopes can magnify up to 2 million times which is a lot higher than light (2000 times). As well as that it is possible to view the outside shape in 3D. Electron microscopes have disadvantages as well. One of them is that they are very expensive and take longer to set the experiment up. The thing that is being viewed sometimes needs a thin layer  of metal on top if it to reflect electrons, must be dead and completely dry.