Microscopy Calculations

Question 1

What is the formula for calculating magnification?

Answer 1

Magnification = Image size / Object size

Question 2

True or False: The total magnification of a microscope is the product of the objective lens magnification and the eyepiece magnification.

Answer 2

True

Question 3

Fill in the blank: The __________ of a microscope determines the smallest detail that can be observed.

Answer 3

resolution

Question 4

What is the typical resolution limit of a light microscope?

Answer 4

Approximately 200 nanometers

Question 5

In microscopy, what does the term ‘numerical aperture’ refer to?

Answer 5

The ability of a lens to gather light and resolve fine specimen detail at a fixed object distance.

Question 6

How do you calculate the field of view (FOV) of a microscope?

Answer 6

FOV = Diameter of the field diaphragm / Total magnification

Question 7

What is the unit of measurement commonly used for the size of microorganisms?

Answer 7

Micrometers (µm)

Question 8

True or False: Higher numerical aperture values indicate better resolution.

Answer 8

True

Question 9

What is the refractive index of air?

Answer 9

Approximately 1.0

Question 10

Fill in the blank: The __________ of a lens is the distance from the lens to the point where it focuses light.

Answer 10

focal length

Question 11

What is the purpose of using immersion oil in microscopy?

Answer 11

To increase the numerical aperture and improve resolution.

Question 12

What is the equation for calculating the resolution of a microscope?

Answer 12

Resolution = 0.61 * (λ / NA), where λ is the wavelength of light and NA is the numerical aperture.

Question 13

What does the term ‘depth of field’ mean in microscopy?

Answer 13

The thickness of the specimen that is in focus at one time.

Question 14

True or False: The depth of field decreases as the magnification increases.

Answer 14

True

Question 15

What is the typical range of wavelengths for visible light?

Answer 15

Approximately 400 to 700 nanometers.

Question 16

How do you convert micrometers to nanometers?

Answer 16

Multiply the number of micrometers by 1000.

Question 17

What is the standard unit for measuring magnification?

Answer 17

It is dimensionless, often expressed as ‘X’ (e.g., 40X).

Question 18

Fill in the blank: The __________ is the part of a microscope that holds the slides.

Answer 18

stage

Question 19

What is the function of the diaphragm in a microscope?

Answer 19

To control the amount of light that reaches the specimen.

Question 20

What is the relationship between resolution and wavelength of light?

Answer 20

Resolution improves as the wavelength of light decreases.

Question 21

True or False: A microscope with a higher magnification always provides better detail.

Answer 21

False

Question 22

What is the significance of the Abbe formula in microscopy?

Answer 22

It relates the resolution of a microscope to the numerical aperture and wavelength.

Question 23

How is the diameter of the field of view affected by magnification?

Answer 23

As magnification increases, the diameter of the field of view decreases.

Question 24

Fill in the blank: The __________ lens is closest to the specimen in a compound microscope.

Answer 24

objective

Question 25

What does it indicate if a microscope has a numerical aperture of 1.25?

Answer 25

It indicates a high ability to gather light and resolve fine detail.

Question 26

What measurement is used to express the size of a bacterial cell?

Answer 26

Typically in micrometers (µm), ranging from 0.5 to 5 µm.