Microscopes and magnification

Question 1

Light microscope

Answer 1

Uses light to magnify objects. The greatest possible magnification using a light microscope is about 2000 x

Question 2

Electron microscope

Answer 2

Uses electrons to view an object. This makes it possible to magnify objects up to about 10 million x. You can see objects in cells more clearly and in far more detail with an electron microscope

Question 3

Calculating magnification

Answer 3

Magnification = Image Size/Real Size

Question 4

How to measure magnification

Answer 4

Measure image in mm

Multiply by 1000 for um (micrometers)

Question 5

Millimeter

Answer 5

10^-3 meters

Question 6

Micrometer

Answer 6

10^-6 meters

Question 7

Nanometer

Answer 7

10^-9 meters

Question 8

Pico meters

Answer 8

10^-12 meters

Question 9

How to use a light microscope

Answer 9

Start with the lowest power objective under the eyepiece
Club the slide securely on the stage
Adjust the light source so that the light goes through the slide
Use the focusing wheel to focus on the slide
Move the slide so that the cell you will draw is in the middle of the view
If needed, move a higher power objective into position
Use the fine focusing wheel to bring the cell back into focus