24
QuizMultiple Choice

Characteristics of Life — Unit test

Question 24 • Biology, VIA Fall 2026, Lstrange@sdale.org

Which microscope uses a probe to map atoms on the surface of a specimen?

Answer
A
transmission electron microscope
B
compound light microscope
C
scanning electron microscope
D
scanning tunneling microscope

Explanation

A scanning tunneling microscope uses a very fine probe that scans across a specimen’s surface. It detects changes in the electrical tunneling current between the probe and the surface, allowing it to map individual atoms. The correct choice is the scanning tunneling microscope.

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