Why is it not possible for the scanning probe microscope (SPM)to make images of the inside of an atom?
A)The most representative "image" of the inside of the atom would be a picture of empty space.
B)The SPM works by passing a current across a tiny gap between the tip of an ultrathin needle and the surface being studied. No gap, no image.
C)The SPM ultrathin needle itself is made of atoms and so is not tiny enough to pierce through an atom much like a sewing needle can pierce into a Ping-Pong ball.
D)All of the above are reasonable answers.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The scanning probe microscope cannot image the inside of an atom because it relies on interactions at the atomic surface level, and the needle itself is made of atoms, making it impossible to penetrate or image inside an atom.

Why Is It Not Possible for the Scanning Probe Microscope