Scientists use electrons instead of light to see atoms because electrons have a smaller wavelength compared to visible light, enabling them to resolve smaller details of atomic structures. This allows scientists to achieve higher resolution images and better analysis of atomic structures using techniques such as electron microscopy.
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Atoms are invisible to visible light because their size is much smaller than the wavelength of visible light. This property affects their observation and study because scientists cannot directly see atoms with traditional optical microscopes. Instead, they use techniques like electron microscopy and spectroscopy to study atoms and their behavior.
When ultraviolet light is incident upon glass, the electrons within atoms in the glass absorb the energy from the light. This absorbed energy can cause the electrons to move to a higher energy state, leading to the emission of light in the form of fluorescence or phosphorescence.
When electrons jump between energy levels in atoms, they release energy in the form of light. This emission of light occurs when electrons move from higher energy levels to lower energy levels, releasing photons in the process.
Electrical current passing through a material can excite its electrons, causing them to jump to higher energy levels. When these excited electrons return to their original energy level, they release the extra energy in the form of light, producing visible light in the process. This is the principle behind how electrical current produces light in devices like light bulbs and LEDs.
An electron microscope uses a beam of electrons instead of light to magnify specimens. This allows for higher resolution images and the ability to view smaller details compared to light microscopes.