This assignment is dealing with the electromagnetic spectrum. I have some questions to ask you. 1. Which waves can be used to SEE molecules? 2. Why can't you use visible light to SEE molecules? 3. Some insects like bees can SEE light of shorter wavelengths than humans can see. What kind of radiation do you think a bee SEES?
1.VERY short waves.
2. The wavelength of light used to "see" something must be as small or smaller than the object to be seen; therefore, the smallest object that can be seen with visible light is of the order of 500 nm and molecules are much smaller than that.
3. Some insects, do indeed, see shorter wavelengths and some can see infrared, visible, and ultraviolet. Here is a site, long and detailed, that will give you some more information BUT it is long reading.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Insect
help me too
Sure, I can help you with your questions about the electromagnetic spectrum and its relation to seeing molecules.
1. Which waves can be used to SEE molecules?
To see molecules, you would need waves with a relatively short wavelength. This corresponds to the higher-energy end of the electromagnetic spectrum, specifically the ultraviolet (UV) and even shorter wavelengths like X-rays or gamma rays. These waves can interact with the atoms and molecules in a way that allows scientists to visualize them.
2. Why can't you use visible light to SEE molecules?
Visible light has a longer wavelength compared to waves like UV, X-rays, or gamma rays. The wavelength of visible light ranges from around 400 to 700 nanometers. Molecules are usually smaller than the wavelength of visible light, which limits the ability of visible light to interact with or "resolve" individual molecules. To see individual molecules, a shorter wavelength is required.
3. Some insects like bees can SEE light of shorter wavelengths than humans. What kind of radiation do you think a bee SEES?
Bees are known to be sensitive to ultraviolet (UV) light, which has a shorter wavelength than visible light. Bees can see in the UV range of the spectrum, which extends beyond the violet end of the visible light spectrum. This ability is useful for them in navigating and locating nectar within flowers, as many flowers have UV patterns or guides that are invisible to human eyes but distinct to bees.
Therefore, to summarize:
1. Waves with shorter wavelengths like ultraviolet (UV) waves can be used to see molecules.
2. Visible light has a longer wavelength compared to waves like UV, X-rays, or gamma rays, limiting its ability to see molecules.
3. Bees can see light in the ultraviolet (UV) range, which is shorter in wavelength than visible light.
I hope this helps! Let me know if you have any further questions.