How much can we see with a microscope?

Light Microscope (Optical Microscope)

Maximum magnification: ~1000× to 2000×
Smallest things you can see:

• Bacteria
• Big viruses (barely)
• Cells, organelles like chloroplasts, nucleus

Not visible: Most viruses, molecules, atoms.
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✅ B. Electron Microscope

Two main types: TEM and SEM.

1. TEM – Transmission Electron Microscope

Magnification: Up to ~2,000,000×
What you can see:

• Viruses clearly
• DNA strands
• Organelles at high detail
• Some large molecules

2. SEM – Scanning Electron Microscope

Magnification: ~100,000×
What you can see:

• Surface of objects
• Insects, pollen, bacteria, tiny structures
• 3D images

🔥 C. Atomic Force Microscope (AFM)

Magnification: atomic level
What you can see:

• Atoms
• Atomic surfaces
• Nanostructures

📌 Summary Table

🧪 2. What is it called?

The names depend on the technology:

General “microscope” names

• Optical microscope / light microscope
• Compound microscope
• Electron microscope
• TEM (Transmission Electron Microscope)
• SEM (Scanning Electron Microscope)
• AFM (Atomic Force Microscope)
• Confocal microscope