A2.2-1 Microscope

Eye Piece

Contains two circular convex lenses. This magnifies the object 10 times (10x).

Body Tube

A metal cylinder, 10-15 cm in diameter, providing a sealed path of light for the lens system

Nose-Piece

A revolving disc which houses the objective lens

Objective Lenses

These magnify the object another 40x (high power), 10x (medium power) or 5x (low power)

Total magnification = magnification of the ocular lens x the magnification of the objective lens

• A 10x ocular lens used with a 40x objective lens = 400x total magnification

Stage

A rectangular or circular plate which holds the slides

Light Source

A small light source directs light up through the opening on the stage through the body tube to the eye

Base

Supports the microscope

Arm

Column above the inclination joint which connects the body tube the pillar

Coarse adjustment knob

Moves barrel up and down over a large distance of 2-8 cm

Brings the object into general focus

Fine adjustment knob

Moves barrel up and down on a fraction of a cm

Used for sharper, precise focusing

Diaphragm

A variable opening in the centre of the stage which can be used to modify the amount of light reaching the object

Stage Clip

A piece of metal used to hold the slide in position