sae 6.8 the resolution of a microscope is limited to approximately one-half the wavelength of the light source. because of this limitation, microscopes capable of obtaining atomic-scale images use electrons instead of visible light to illuminate samples. to distinguish atoms separated by a few hundred picometers, as they are in most solids, the electron wavelength should be less than or equal to approximately 200 pm. to what speed must the electrons be accelerated to attain this wavelength?