Are Photons Bigger Than Electrons?

In summary, electron microscopes are used instead of visible microscopes because the wavelength of visible light is too long and causes diffraction, blurring the image. Electrons, which also behave like waves, have a much smaller wavelength and thus produce less diffraction, allowing for clearer images of small objects. It is important to understand the limitations of using the photon nature of light in all situations and to consider the wave model as well.
  • #1
noname2020x
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I was told by a professor that electron microscopes are used instead of visible microscopes because photos are too big and make the picture blurry where are electrons are so small that they give detail. Considering photos don't really have a size, and have no mass, I don't understand this. Why do we use electron microscopes?
 
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  • #2
It's not the "size of photons" that counts. They have no actual extent (in many people's view, at least). The important thing is that the wavelength of visible light (500nm region) is so long that light will diffract noticeably and blur the detail too much to see anything. The wavelength of a moving electron (yes, they too behave like waves) is much smaller and so the effects of diffraction are less and small objects are less blurred.
It is wise to avoid trying to apply the photon nature of light to every problem, willy-nilly. It only makes life hard and the wave model can often work a lot better.
 
  • #3
got it, makes perfect sense. Not sure why I didn't think about that.

Thanks
 

FAQ: Are Photons Bigger Than Electrons?

Are photons and electrons the same size?

No, photons and electrons are not the same size. Photons are considered to be massless particles, while electrons have a tiny mass. Therefore, photons are much smaller than electrons.

Can photons and electrons be compared in terms of size?

It is not accurate to compare photons and electrons in terms of size because they are fundamentally different particles. Photons are particles of light, while electrons are fundamental particles that make up matter.

Are photons and electrons considered to be point particles?

Yes, both photons and electrons are considered to be point particles, meaning they have no size or volume. They are both described as having a precise position but no physical dimension.

Is it true that photons have no mass?

Yes, photons are considered to be massless particles. They do not have any physical mass, but they do have energy and momentum.

Are there any experimental evidence that proves the size of photons and electrons?

There is no experimental evidence that directly measures the size of photons and electrons. However, their properties and behavior have been extensively studied and confirmed through various experiments and theories in particle physics.

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