Question

If atoms exist, why can’t we see them with visible light?

Short answer

As the difference between an atom's size and the wavelength of visible light is too great, atoms cannot be seen with visible light.

Step-by-step solution

Define atom

The matter is composed of number of constituents and the smallest of all those is the atom. The three types of matter say solid liquid, gas and the plasma are all composed of atoms of different characteristics, while the atom can be neutral, positive or negative.

Reason for atom to be invisible

Consider the range of the wavelength of the atom is 400-700 nm, this is the reason why it is invisible to the naked eyes and in the visible light. The electromagnetic radiation are not used to view such small object like atoms as the wavelength of the electromagnetic wave is larger than that of atom. If one uses the powerful microscopes to view the atoms, the person will not be able to distinguish the single atom

Therefore, the atom is invisible in visible light.