Microscope Flashcards

Flashcards about microscopes

What is a microscope?

An instrument used to view objects too small to be seen by the unaided eye.

What is microscopy?

The science of investigating small objects using microscopes.

Where are compound light microscopes used?

Labs, schools, wastewater treatment plants, vet offices, and histology/pathology settings.

Why is a cover slip used when preparing samples?

To flatten the sample for viewing.

Why are prepared slides often used by students?

To eliminate the slide preparation process for students.

What types of specimens can be viewed with a compound light microscope?

Cells, parasites, bacteria, algae, tissue, and slices of organs.

What is the function of the ocular lens/eyepiece?

Magnify the image of the specimen.

What is the usual magnification of the ocular lens?

10X

What is the function of the body tube?

Direct the light from the specimen into the viewer's eye.

What does the body tube connect?

Connects the eyepiece to the objective lenses.

What does the body tube ensure?

Alignment of the microscope components.

What does the arm connect?

Connects the body tube to the base.

What does the base do?

Supports the weight of the microscope.

What does the base contain?

Electronics and light source.

What is the function of the light source/illuminator?

Sends light upwards through the condenser lens and hole in the stage onto the specimen.

What did older microscopes use mirrors for?

Reflect ambient light upwards.

What are attached to the revolving/rotating nose piece?

Objective lenses.

What does rotating the nose piece allow you to do?

Switch between different lenses.

What do objective lenses do?

Further magnify the image of the specimen.

What are the usual magnification powers of objective lenses?

4X, 10X, and 40X.

As power increases, what happens to the field of view?

Smaller.

Under which power should you first use the coarse adjustment knob?

Low power.

What is the fine adjustment knob used for?

Exact focusing.

Where do you place the slide?

The stage.

What do stage clips do?

Secure the slide on the stage.

What does the condenser lens do?

Focuses light from the illuminator through to the hole in the stage.

What does the diaphragm do?

Adjust the amount of light that reaches the specimen.

What are the main rules for handling a microscope

Always carry with two hands, do not force knobs, turn off light and unplug when not in use

What are the main steps for using a microscope on LOW power

Place slide, move the nosepiece, look into the eyepiece, use coarse focus knob

What are the main steps for using a microscope on HIGH power

Follow steps to use low power, move nosepiece to highest setting, use fine adjustment knob

Total magnification equation

ocular lens x objective lens

Field of view metrics

Expressed in μm (micrometers)

How are mangification and field of view related?

As magnification increases, the field of view decreases

Fit Number

Number of times the specimen will fit across the diameter of the field of view