A couple of theory questions. (Interractions of light and matter)

[MattM]

Anyone feel like helping me out with some explanations? I have some practice questions given to us without solutions from my teacher and I want to check my answers with someone else

1.  Optical microscopes are limited in terms of the size of the objects that can be succesfully imaged. Diffraction effects influence the clarity of the image. Explain why the electron microscope can give clearer images than optical microscopes for very small objects. (ie 10^-5m)

-3 mark question so I answered with 3 points.

2. Describe de Broglies suggested explanation for the discrete allowable orbital energy levels of electons that had been assumed by Bohr in his model of the atom.

-2 mark question this time.


thanks guys

[Lasercookie]

1. If there was diffraction, the image would be blurred and distorted. An electron's de Broglie wavelength is much much smaller than 10^-5, so no significant diffraction occurs. Therefore, less diffraction gives a clearer image.

2. de Broglie suggested that electrons form standing waves around the nucleus. Each wavelength represents an energy level. These are discrete because if the electrons were to be in between energy levels, they would interfere with each other (being a wave).

[MattM]

appreciate it

was pretty spot on with the first one but answered the 2nd one a little off, thanks