Answer
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Step 1: Limited Resolution
Typical visible light wavelengths range from $$400$$ to $$700$$ nanometers, which means light microscopes can typically only resolve objects larger than $$200$$ nanometers.
One significant disadvantage of light microscopes is their limited resolution capability. Explanation: Light microscopes are constrained by the wavelength of visible light, which limits the smallest object they can clearly distinguish. The resolution is fundamentally limited by the physics of light diffraction. The theoretical resolution limit can be expressed by the Rayleigh criterion: Where:
Final Answer
Light microscopes have a limited resolution, typically unable to resolve objects smaller than approximately 200 nanometers due to the physical constraints of light wavelengths.
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