Microscopes

Magnification

The number of times larger an image appears, compared to actual size.

Total magnification = magnifying power of objective lens x magnifying power of the eyepiece lens

Resolution

The clarity of an image. The higher the resolution, the clearer the image.

Light microscopes

• Relatively cheap

• Easy to use

• Portable

• Can study whole specimens

• Can reach x1500 - x200

Transmission electron microscopes

• Specimen must be dehydrated and stained

• Electron beam passes through the specimen

• Produces a 2D black and white image

• Produces x2,000,000

Scanning electron microscopes

• Electrons bounce off specimen

• Produces a 3D image

• Can reach x15 - x200,000

• Image is black and white