Using visible light, we humans cannot see any object smaller than 2 times 10^-5

Question

Using visible light, we humans cannot see any object smaller than 2 times 10^-5 cm to with an unaided eye. Roughly how many silver atoms must be lined up for us see the atoms? To answer this question successfully you need to first decide what would be the basic approach to get to the answer. In other words, what basic information would you need? In your discussion, explain that basic approach, describe How you specifically obtained your answer and the reasoning for using the calculations you utilized. It is truly more important for you to UNDERSTAND why to use a certain calculation than to just memorize the steps of a calculation.

Explanation / Answer

Radius of a silver atom = 172 pm = 172*10-12 m

So, diamater = 344*10-12 m

Let the number of atoms needed to be lined up be 'x'

We need the total length after lining up to exceed 2*10-7 m to be able to see it.

So,

x*344*10-12 >= 2*10-7

Solving we get:

x >= 581.39

So, we need to atleast line up 582 atoms

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