What device is used to view a virus?

The electron microscope is specifically designed to visualize very small objects, such as viruses, that are beyond the resolution limits of visible light. It uses a beam of electrons instead of visible light to illuminate the specimen, which allows for significantly higher magnifications and greater resolving power. This capability enables researchers to observe the intricate structures of viruses, which are typically in the range of 20 to 300 nanometers in size.

While other types of microscopes, such as the compound microscope and fluorescence microscope, can provide useful information about larger cells and cellular structures, they cannot resolve the fine details required to image viruses effectively. The confocal microscope, similarly, is excellent for visualizing specific structures in higher resolution than a compound microscope but still relies on visible light, which limits its use when studying ultra-small entities like viruses. Thus, the electron microscope is the appropriate choice for investigating the morphology and characteristics of viruses.