Resolution Depends on Light Wavelength in Microscopy

Steps:

• Recall magnification enlarges the image size without improving detail clarity.
• Define resolution as the smallest distance between two points that can be distinguished, limited by light wavelength.
• Apply the resolution formula: d = 0.61 λ / NA, where λ is wavelength and NA is numerical aperture.
• Evaluate options: increasing wavelength worsens resolution, while magnification and resolution are distinct.

Why C is correct:

• Resolution decreases with longer wavelengths per the diffraction limit formula d = 0.61 λ / NA, as larger λ increases minimum resolvable distance.

Why the others are wrong:

• A: Higher resolution improves detail but not always clarity, which also depends on contrast and focus.
• B: Magnification enlarges the image but does not improve resolution, which is wavelength-limited.
• D: Magnification refers to image enlargement; resolution refers to detail separation—they are unrelated factors.

Final answer: C