Why will light of shorter wavelength produce a clearer image than light of longer wavelengths?

Answer 1

Question

explain why light of shorter wavelength will produce a clearer image then light of a longer wavelength.

Answer

Hi Charlie: Thanks for your question. Although this sounds like a homework problem, let me get you started.

We see things when wavelengths of light bounce off objects, we detect that light and interpret it as vision. Short wavelengths of light have more energy and provide a crisper image.

The image produced by a light microscope is related to the wavelength of light used to create the image. Short wavelengths can give a sharper image because short wavelengths have greater resolving power.

You can look up "electromagnetic spectrum" or "visible spectrum" on the internet and get some great pix.

Hope this helps!

FM Rollwagen, PhD

Source: http://en.allexperts.com/q/Biology-664/2008/9/microscopes.htm

• light of the shorter wavelengths has more energy therefore it is easier to get it to react with photographic pigments and/or light receptive electronics.
• light is only capable of interacting with particles of radius that is greater than their wavelength. Therefore fine details are not possible with light of very long wavelengths.
• light of shorter wavelength have higher refractive indexes therefore they are more easily manipulated by transparent lenses.

Answer 2

When we examine an object by looking at it ... whether we look at it with light, x-rays, radar,

sonar, or seismic charges down a drill hole ... what we're doing is throwing particles at the object,

and analyzing the pattern of the particles that bounce back to us, to get a sense of the shape

of the target object.

Think of it that way for a moment, and then ask yourself: Could we get a clearer picture of, let's say,

a bicycle, by bouncing beach balls off of it, or grains of sand ?

To put it another way ... With your eyes closed, could you get a better picture of the carvings

on a small statue by using your fingertips ? Or with mittens on ?

Obviously, the 'resolution' of the picture you get depends on the size of the brush you use

to paint it with. You won't ever see any details on the object that are smaller than the particles

you use to analyze it.

Shorter wavelengths of light can differentiate among smaller details on the object, so produce

a clearer, more finely detailed image.

And when you get down to investigating objects that aren't much bigger than a wavelength

of light ... like viruses ... you have to give up on light altogether, and start using electron beams

to feel them with.

Answer 3

Light of shorter wavelengths carries more energy and can create sharper image details compared to light of longer wavelengths. This is due to the shorter wavelength's ability to diffract less, allowing it to focus more precisely which results in a clearer image.

Answer 4

The light with shorter wavelength will have less distance to travel than the longer wavelength. This makes it possible for a clearer picture to form because of less possibility of distortion.

Answer 5

Less bending (thus distortion) as the light passes through lens.

Answer 6

Shorter wavelength enable us to see smaller details.