Question 6 Scientists can also use electron microscopes to analyze microscopic specimens. An electron microscope uses a beam of electrons, which are negatively charged subatomic particles, instead of light to magnify objects. Electron microscopes can magnify an object up to one million times the object’s size.

images of a large electron microscope and an electron microscope diagram

In an electron microscope, the sample is bombarded with a stream of electrons that are expelled from an electron gun. The electrons interact with the sample component, the result of which is transformed into an image.

Why do you think electron microscopes allow for greater magnification than compound microscopes?