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Difference between atomic force microscope and scanning tunnel microscope?
Wiki User
∙ 14y ago
Atomic Force Microscopes (AFM) and Scanning Tunneling Microscopes (STM) are different types of Scanning Probe Microscopes (SPM). An AFM uses a sharp, microfabricated tip on a flexible cantilever (typically made of silicon) to scan over a surface and measure topography. An AFM uses the atomic forces between the tip and surface, hence its name. An AFM can work by simply "dragging" the tip across the surface or by oscillating the cantilever and sensing changes in the cantilever's amplitude.
An STM, on the other hand, uses a tunneling current to sense the surface. The surface has to be at least somewhat conductive. The tip is typically a cut or etched wire made of Pt or Tungsten. Because the tunneling current drops off exponentially with distance, very accurate measurements can be made.
The STM was the original scanning probe microscope invented. The AFM came afterwards to overcome the conductivity requirements of the STM.
Wiki User
∙ 14y ago
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How is a scanning tunneling microscope used?
to see images of surface at the atomic level!
What do you view atoms with?
You can view an atom with a scanning- tunneling microscope and a atomic force microscopes.
How many microscope are there?
There are six different types of microscopes used in the life science. There is the light microscope, phase contrast microscope, fluorescent microscope, electron microscope, atomic force microscope, and scanning tunnelling microscope.
What are the tools that scientists used to observe atoms?
They could use an electron microscope or an STM (scanning tunneling microscope)
What type of microscope is used in hi-tech labs to achieve the best magnification?
Depending on the desired results, several types of scanning probe microscopes can be found in hi-tech labs to achieve the maximum magnification. These include atomic force microscope, scanning tunneling microscope, electrostatic force microscope, kelvin probe force microscope, magnetic resonance force microscope, and piezoresponse force microscope.
Which instrument do scientists use to observe DNA?
Usually, a scanning electron microscope is used to observe atoms.
Can atoms be seen by a microscope?
No. to viewing a phenomenon you need to send light (photon) to it and then see reflected light( photon) as the atom particles (electron,neutron,proton) are in order of photon, your sent light changes their conditions and you see none
What are the difference between atomic fission to atomic nuclear?
The difference between atomic fission and atomic nuclear is that they both have something to do with atomic and war. Hope this helps I am kind of in a rush......Smile!
What best describes the number of neutrons in an atom?
It is equal to the difference between atomic number and Atomic Mass number. A+
What is the difference between the atomic number o bromine and the atomic number of chlorine?
Yes
Can we see things made of atoms?
Not really. We can "trace the outline" of a single atom using a scanning tunneling microscope (STM), but that's it. The STM can investigate the atomic surface structure of a prepared sample using an extremely fine probe and some tight electronics with computer control. Use the link to see what Wikipedia says about this piece of gear. That link is below.
What is the difference between the atomic number an its atomic mass?
Atomic number is the amount of electrons. Atomic mass is the amount of protons and neutrons.
