Exam-style question
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What is a key advantage of using electrons in microscopy compared to light?.
- A.Electrons can penetrate deeper into materials.
- B.Electrons can be focused using lenses.
- C.Electrons have a higher energy than photons.
- D.Electrons can create images without any interaction.
Model answer
What a good answer should say
- Electrons can penetrate deeper into materials.
Explanation
Why this works
The cause is that electrons have a higher mass and energy compared to photons. The mechanism is that this higher energy allows electrons to penetrate deeper into materials without being absorbed.
The effect is that electron microscopes can image thicker specimens than optical microscopes. The consequence is that researchers can study internal structures of materials that would be opaque to light.
Common mistake
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