Why go through the expense of building an electron microscope for studying very small objects such as organic molecules? Why not just use short electromagnetic waves which a much cheaper?

Electron microscopes are used for studying very small objects such as organic molecules because they offer much higher resolution than traditional light microscopes or other imaging techniques. Electron microscopes use a beam of electrons instead of light to create an image, allowing for much greater magnification and detail. This is especially important when studying objects at the molecular level, where individual atoms and bonds need to be clearly visible.

While short electromagnetic waves may be cheaper, they do not have the same level of resolution as electron microscopes. Light microscopes are limited by the wavelength of light, which prevents them from being able to resolve objects smaller than about 200 nanometers. Electron microscopes, on the other hand, can achieve resolutions down to the atomic level, making them essential tools for studying nanoscale structures.

In addition, electron microscopes can also provide valuable information about the composition and structure of materials, making them indispensable in fields such as materials science, biology, and nanotechnology. While the initial cost of building an electron microscope may be high, the level of detail and information that can be obtained from these instruments justifies the expense for many researchers and scientists.

Electron microscopes offer several advantages over using short electromagnetic waves for studying organic molecules:

1. Higher Resolution:
- Electron microscopes use beams of high-energy electrons, which have much shorter wavelengths than electromagnetic waves.
- This allows for much finer imaging and the visualization of much smaller structures, down to the atomic level.

2. Structural Detail:
- Electrons interact with the atoms of organic molecules through electromagnetic interactions.
- This allows electron microscopes to provide detailed information about the arrangement of atoms and molecules, revealing their chemical bonds and molecular configurations.

3. Depth of Field:
- Electron microscopes have a much greater depth of field than optical microscopes.
- This means they can provide clear images of samples that are thicker or have complex three-dimensional structures.

4. Versatility:
- Electron microscopes can be used to study a wide range of materials, including organic molecules, polymers, metals, and ceramics.
- They are also capable of various imaging techniques, such as transmission electron microscopy (TEM), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and electron diffraction.

Disadvantages of Using Short Electromagnetic Waves:

- Limited Resolution: Electromagnetic waves are limited in their ability to distinguish fine details due to their longer wavelengths.
- Penetration: Electromagnetic waves cannot penetrate dense materials or thick samples, making them unsuitable for studying the interior of organic molecules.
- Damage to Samples: High-energy electromagnetic waves can damage or destroy fragile organic molecules, making them difficult to study.

In summary, while short electromagnetic waves are cheaper, electron microscopes provide superior resolution, structural detail, and versatility, making them essential tools for studying the intricate structures and properties of organic molecules and other materials. The expense of an electron microscope is justified by its unmatched capabilities in revealing the microscopic world at a level that is not possible with electromagnetic waves alone.