Learn: Lab 2: Compound Microscope | Quizlet

What is the base of a compound microscope?

The bottom part of the microscope's stand that supports the microscope. (p. 6)

What is the neck of a compound microscope?

The part of the stand that you hold along with the base when carrying the microscope. (p. 6)

What is the stand of a compound microscope?

The supporting structure of the microscope, consisting of the base and neck. (p. 6)

What is the stage?

The platform of the microscope that holds the microscope slides. (p. 6)

What is the ocular?

The lens you look through when viewing a specimen; binocular microscopes have paired oculars. (p. 6)

What is the objective?

The lens that focuses on the specimen. (p. 6)

What is the nosepiece?

The revolving part of the microscope on which the objective lenses are mounted. (p. 6)

What are the mechanical stage controls?

Controls that operate the slide bracket on the stage, allowing you to position the specimen. (p. 6)

What does focusing the specimen involve?

Using knobs to move the stage up and down, bringing the specimen closer to or farther from the objective. (p. 6)

What is the coarse focus?

The outer focus knob, used to move the stage for focusing. (p. 6)

What is the fine focus?

The inner focus knob, used to make finer adjustments to the specimen's focus. (p. 6)

What is the substage condenser?

The component that directs light through the slide into the objective. (p. 6)

What is the iris diaphragm?

A component on the substage condenser that controls the amount of light reaching the objective and affects specimen contrast. (p. 6)

What is the interocular distance?

The distance between the oculars. It is adjusted until you see a single circular field of view. (p. 7)

What is resolution?

The ability to distinguish two closely spaced points on a specimen. (p. 7)

What is contrast?

The magnitude of the difference between light and dark objects. (p. 7)

How does the iris diaphragm affect resolution?

Resolution is best when the iris diaphragm is wide open. (p. 7)

How does the iris diaphragm affect contrast?

Contrast increases as you close the aperture of the iris diaphragm. (p. 7)

How should you adjust the iris diaphragm to get the best image?

Slowly open and close the iris diaphragm to determine its effect on the image and find the right balance between resolution and contrast. (p. 7)