Question

compare and contrast the structure and function of a compound light microscope and a scanning electron microscope.

Answer 1

Basically both operate by bouncing tiny particles or waves off of objects in order to make them visible. Electrons are smaller than light photons so we can see smaller objects clearly with electron microscopes. There are disadvantages though. First, color is a function of light wave frequency so we can't see electron micrographs in color. Color can be added artificially though by computer to differentiate structures, (think photoshop). Also, we cannot see electrons so we make them visible by bouncing them off a cathode ray screen similar to a TV set or computer monitor. ~
____________________
Resource : http://openstudy.com/study#/updates/4f709c91e4b0eb8587732fe1

Answer 2

Kayla is correct.

Answer 3

"Electrons are smaller than light photons..."

Sorry to be so nit-picky, but this isn't true. You meant to say that the wavelength of electrons is smaller than those of photons of light in the visible spectrum. It is actually not possible to measure the geometric size of a photon. Good answer, otherwise.