Explain how physicists are able to “look” at very small particles even though these particles have dimensions much smaller than the wavelengths of visible light. What actually limits our ability to “look” at very small particles?
2006-12-29 05:05:17 · 3 answers · asked by alawrence108 1 in Science & Mathematics ➔ Physics
You can't bounce light off a subatomic particle. Normal wavelengths of light are far too long to make a coherent image, and very short wavelengths of light (like X rays and gamma rays) are so energetic that the process of bouncing off the subatomic particle changes its momentum in a totally unpredictable way.
Physicists track the behaviour of subatomic particles through "bubble chambers" which are full of a chlorine compound like concentrated bleach at low pressure. As the high energy particles whiz through the liquid they cause tracks of tiny bubbles to appear, and the bubbles can be photographed.
2006-12-29 05:11:39 · answer #1 · answered by poorcocoboiboi 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
They don't use light. They use electron beams, X-rays, whatever they can bounce off the particles to get an idea or the shape.
2006-12-29 05:08:22 · answer #2 · answered by smartprimate 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
What limits our ability to "See" is not only the "Looking" devices - but also the fact that we can interfere with the observed object by the "Lookin" devices. It's an interesting question, since they cannot use light, due to the size - They use electron beams, X-rays, whatever is effected by the Object. "Seeing" is expanded to getting signals from these effected means.
2006-12-29 05:13:58 · answer #3 · answered by amir 1 · 0⤊ 1⤋