Carbon and oxygen atoms do not show up as well as calcium and magnesium atoms on a transmission electron microscope image of dolomite. Why?
A) There are not as many carbon and oxygen atoms.
B) Carbon and oxygen gases are transparent to light.
C) The electrons are not as densely packed in carbon and oxygen.
D) Transmission electron microscopes perform better on metals than nonmetals.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The density of electrons in an atom is related to its atomic number. Carbon and oxygen have lower atomic numbers than calcium and magnesium, so their electrons are not as densely packed and do not scatter electrons as efficiently. This makes it harder to detect them with a transmission electron microscope. Additionally, option B is incorrect because a transmission electron microscope uses electrons, not light, to form an image. Option D is also incorrect because transmission electron microscopes can be used to study non-metals.

Carbon and Oxygen Atoms Do Not Show Up as Well