Electron microscopes have a better resolution than light microscopes because electrons have a shorter wavelength than light.

1. Transmission electron microscope (TEM)
2. Scanning electron microscope (SEM)

1. Electron microscopes have a better resolution
2. Electron microscopes have a higher magnification
3. Electron microscopes are more expensive 
4. Electron microscopes produce black and white images, light microscopes produce colour images 
5. Electron microscopes require more complex sample preparation 
6. Electron microscopes only use dead specimens, light microscopes can use living specimens

An artefact is a visible detail that isn't part of the specimen being observed.

For example, air bubbles or fingerprints.

TEMs transmit a beam of electrons through a specimen. More dense parts of the specimen absorb more electrons, they so appear darker in the image formed.

Organisms must be dead or non-living for electron microscopes because the specimen is viewed in a vacuum.

The specimen must be thin when using a TEM to allow electrons to pass through.

The magnification of a typical TEM is x 500,000 and the resolution is 0.2 nm to 1.0 nm.

SEMs scan a beam of electrons across the surface of a specimen. Reflected electrons are then used to form an image.

A TEM produces 2D images at a better resolution, whereas an SEM produces 3D images at a worse resolution.

Scanning electron microscopes (SEMs) can be used on thicker specimens.

The magnification of a typical SEM is x 100,000 and the resolution is 1 nm to 20 nm.

1. Both are expensive
2. Both involve complex sample preparation
3. Both produce black and white images
4. Both only view dead specimens