Microscope Vocabulary and Components

Vocabulary flashcards covering microscope optical terms, objective powers, and mechanical parts based on the lecture notes.

Magnification

How much larger an image appears compared to its real size.

Resolution

The ability of a microscope to show details clearly.

Contrast

The difference in intensity or appearance between the object and the background, allowing features to stand out.

Specimen

The object being observed under the microscope.

Light Microscope

A microscope where visible light passes through the specimen and glass lenses, which magnify the image and project it into the viewer's eye.

Scanning Power

The lowest power objective lens, which has a magnification of $4\times$.

Low Power

An objective lens setting with a magnification of $10\times$.

High Power

An objective lens setting with a magnification of $40\times$.

Total Magnification

The total enlargement calculated by multiplying the eyepiece magnification by the objective lens magnification.

Arm

The part of the microscope that supports the tube and connects to the base.

Stage

The flat platform that holds the microscope slide.

Stage Clips

Clips on the stage used to hold the slide in place.

Coarse Adjustment

Knob that moves the stage through large distances to focus the image; should NEVER be used when on high power.

Fine Adjustment

Knob that moves the stage through small increments to bring the image into sharp focus.

Base

Supports the microscope; should always be held with one hand while holding the arm with the other hand when carrying.

Light Source

Directs light upward through the specimen.

Diaphragm

Controls the amount of light that passes through the specimen.

Eyepiece

The component containing the ocular lens that you look through, which typically magnifies the image by $10\times$.