compound microscope

Compound Light Microscope

A microscope that uses lenses and a light source to magnify the specimen.

Magnification

Refers to how much a specimen is enlarged in appearance.

Ocular Lens

The lens in a microscope that typically magnifies 10 times.

Objective Lens

Lenses in a compound microscope that magnify specimens 4, 10, or 40 times.

Total Magnification

Determined by multiplying the magnification of the ocular lens by the magnification of the objective lens being used.

Field of View

The circular area visible when looking through a microscope.

Coarse-Adjustment Knob

Used to make large adjustments to the focus, primarily with low-power objective lenses.

Fine-Adjustment Knob

Used to make smaller adjustments to the focus at higher power magnifications.

Biological Drawings

Simple, two-dimensional drawings made by scientists which often include stippling for detail. to draw them, Scientists draw what they see through the microscope in a circle. They label the total magnification and use straight horizontal lines to label structures.

Safety Precaution for Microscope

Always carry the microscope with one hand under the base and one hand on the arm. place the microscope in the centre of the desk

Handling Glass Slides

Handle carefully as they may shatter if dropped.

Illumination Safety

Ensure sunlight cannot be focused directly through the microscope for safe operation (it may burn the specimen.

Storing Microscope

Always store with the lower-power objective lens in place and the stage lowered. it will prevent the objective lense from being scratched.

how does a microscope achieve magnification

magnification of a specimen is achieved using a lens system

how is magnification represented

as a number that tells you how much bigger a magnifying glass makes things look. For example, a 2x magnifying glass makes things look twice as big.

tip when looking through microscope

When you are observing a specimen through the microscope, keep both eyes open to avoid straining your eyes.

proper use tip

Only use the coarse-adjustment knob with low-power objective lenses. Use the fine-adjustment knob at higher powers.

microscope handling tip

Use the microscope in a dry area. Your hands should also be dry when using a microscope.

microscope storing tip

Remember to unplug the microscope from the electrical outlet by grasping and pulling the plug, not by pulling on the power cord.

microscope storing tip

Coil the power cord neatly around the arm of the microscope when returning the microscope to its storage area.

how the field of view changes

The field of view gets smaller and the specimen appears larger as you use more powerul lenses.

compound microscope fun fact

The compound light microscope is the most common and versatile type of microscope today. It is easy to use and relatively inexpensive.