Chapter 15, Problem 3RQ

To determine

Whether it is possible to see an atom using visible light.

Answer to Problem 3RQ

It is not possible to see an atom using visible light.

Explanation of Solution

An object is visible when it diverts the wavelengths in the visible region. An atom is so small that it could not be seen even through a microscope. Atom is considered a negligible particle when compared with the wavelength of visible light.

So when light is reached, there are no interactions between the light and the atoms. And hence the visible light passes through the atom without any reflections. As a result, the atoms are not made visible.

Conclusion:

It is not possible to see an atom using visible light.