Microscopes

Total Magnification

The eyepiece lens magnification multiplied by the objective lens magnification.

Eyepiece Lens

Typically has a magnification of 10x.

Objective Lens

The lens closer to the specimen being viewed, usually 4x, 10x, or 40x.

Magnification

Ratio of image size to actual size expressed as a number.

Magnification Calculation

To find the magnification of an image, divide the image size by the actual size.

Actual Size

The real size of the object being viewed, often measured in micrometers (µm).

Micrometer (µm)

Unit of microscopic measurement, equal to one millionth of a meter.

Actual Size Calculation

To find the actual size of a cell, divide the image size by the magnification.

Resolution

The ability of a measuring instrument to distinguish between two points that are close together.

Magnification

The process of making an object appear larger than it's actual size, typically when viewed through a microscope.

Field of view

The area that can be seen at any given time through an optical device like a camera, a microscope, or the human eye.

Staining

A technique that uses dyes to enhance the visibility of microorganisms and their components under a microscope.