Question

what do scanning electron microscopes and transmission electron microscopes have in common?
both generate three-dimensional images.
both offer magnification to the atomic level.
both are used to view the parts of a cell.
both require a vacuum.

Explanation:

• Scanning electron microscopes (SEM) produce 3D images, transmission electron microscopes (TEM) produce 2D images, so first option is wrong.
• Neither SEM nor TEM magnify to atomic level (atomic force microscopes do), so second option is wrong.
• TEM is used to view cell internal structures, SEM for surface; not all cell parts are viewed by both, so third option is wrong.
• Both SEM and TEM require a vacuum to operate (electrons scatter in air), so the fourth option is correct.

Answer:

D. Both require a vacuum.