Chapter 25, Problem 16Q

To determine

Which visible light gives the best resolution in a microscope.

Answer to Problem 16Q

Solution:

Violet light.

Explanation of Solution

Rayleigh Criteria

The Rayleigh criterion gives us the resolution limit for two objects distance D apart when using light of wavelength $\lambda$

$\theta =\frac{1.22\lambda }{D}$

Where;

$\theta$= Angular half width.

$\lambda$= Wavelength of light used

D = Distance between the objects.

Violet light would give the best resolution in a microscope, because according to the Rayleigh criterion, a smaller wavelength gives better resolution. Violet light has the shortest wavelength of visible light.