Why must a specimen that is to be viewed in the SEM be dehydrated before viewing?
A)Water causes the specimen to swell.
B)Water distorts the image.
C)The specimen will be observed in a vacuum, which would cause the water to freeze.
D)The specimen will be observed in a vacuum, which would cause the water to evaporate rapidly and damage the specimen, altering its surface structure.
E)Water attracts electrons.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

When observing a specimen in the SEM, it is done under high vacuum conditions where any water present would rapidly evaporate and damage the specimen, potentially altering its surface structure. Therefore, the specimen must be dehydrated before viewing in the SEM to prevent any water damage.

Why Must a Specimen That Is to Be Viewed in the SEM