Microscopy: Introduction

Question 1

What are the two types of lenses in a compound light microscope and their respective functions?

Answer 1

The two types of lenses are the ocular (closest to the eye) and the objective (closest to the object). The ocular lens remagnifies the image created by the objective lens.

Question 2

This condenses light rays to form a strong beam in a light microscope, which enhances the illumination of the specimen being observed.

Answer 2

Condenser

Question 3

What is the total magnification possible with a compound light microscope?

Answer 3

The total magnification is calculated by multiplying the magnification achieved by the objective lens with the magnification achieved by the ocular lens.

Question 4

What is the term used to describe the ability of a microscope to remain in focus when switching from one objective to another?

Answer 4

The term is “parfocal.”

Question 5

What determines the resolution of a microscope?

Answer 5

The resolution of a microscope is determined in part by the wavelength of the light used for observing and the numerical aperture (NA) of the lens.

Question 6

Why is immersion oil used with the oil-immersion lens in microscopy?

Answer 6

Immersion oil is used to increase the resolution of the oil-immersion lens by reducing light scattering and ensuring maximum light enters the lens, enabling clearer observation of small objects such as bacteria.

Question 7

What is the term for the apparatus on the condenser that controls the amount of light entering the microscope?

Answer 7

The term is “diaphragm.”

Question 8

What is the term used to describe the ability to see two items as separate objects under the microscope?

Answer 8

The term is “resolution.”