I've always wanted to see and atom, is it possible, or can we only detect the light around an atom? We seem to have a fair understanding of atoms, so someone must have seen one.
2007-10-10 16:06:13 · 4 answers · asked by Clandestine 1 in Science & Mathematics ➔ Physics
Not using visible light. kennyk is overly restrictive in what he's willing to call "seeing". Scanning tunneling microscopes show clear images of atoms on surfaces. Technically, you're only "seeing" light from a computer's LCD display representing the current density distribution from the device, but you could say that about watching the Super Bowl on TV too.
2007-10-10 16:54:52 · answer #1 · answered by Dr. R 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Dont waste your time clicking on that link.
It is impossible for a human to see an atom, because they are only several nanometers wide( billionths of a meter). Scientists know what they look like (or at least groups of them together) by shooting beams of electrons(much smaller than atoms) at the atoms, and detecting how they are influenced by colliding with each other. Then a computer analyzes the beam of electrons to obtain an image of the atoms.
Go to Google Images and type in 'SEM'
It stands for Scanning Electron Microscope.. You will see some images that these electron beams can produce.
2007-10-10 16:23:31 · answer #2 · answered by kennyk 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
what's going at here ? Are you struggling with with Sp!cy ? I doubt she completed something to you. no offense however the girl is reliable candy so backtrack and locate something greater valuable to do ! we like her so quit hating !!!
2016-12-14 14:00:18 · answer #3 · answered by tietje 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
http://www.uwgb.edu/dutchs/PETROLGY/WhatAtomsLookLike.HTM
2007-10-10 16:10:26 · answer #4 · answered by tlalteutli 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋