What is a microscope

Question 1

what is a microscope

Answer 1

An instrument enabling you to magnify an object hundreds, thousands or even hundreds of thousands of time.

Question 2

what do microscopes enable us to do

Answer 2

microscopes reveal a whole world of unicellular organisms that are otherwise invisible and allow us to explore how the details of their structures relate to their functions

Question 3

what is a compound light microscope

Answer 3

it is the most commonly used microscope that uses light for viewing

Question 4

how many lenses does a compound light microscope have

Answer 4

2 magnifying lenses
- ocular (eyepiece lens)
- objective (high, medium, low)

Question 5

how has microscopy advanced biology

Answer 5

• provided insights into the nature of diseases and their cellular origins
• can observe the process of cell division and chromosome behaviour.
• allowed us to study how new life forms and develops.
• ability to see and manipulate cells has been crucial in biological research and biotechnology.

Question 6

what is an optical microscope

Answer 6

An optical microscope, also sometimes known as a light microscope, uses one or a series of lenses to magnify images of small samples with visible light.

Question 7

why are optical microscopes important

Answer 7

key role in understanding cell structure.
- important due to its availability, affordability, and ability to be used in the field.

Question 8

what types of specimen can light microscopes observe

Answer 8

observe both living and dead specimens, prepared specimens

Question 9

what type of light do microscopes use

Answer 9

use visible light, which has a wavelength between 400 and 700 nm.

Question 10

what cannot be seen through a light microscope and why

Answer 10

objects smaller than about 200 nm, such as ribosomes (around 20 nm in diameter), cannot be clearly examined with light microscopes.

Question 11

what is the resolution of an optical microscope

Answer 11

limited so it cannot magnify beyond a certain point while still providing a clear image

Question 12

what is the magnification of an optical microscope

Answer 12

• magnification up to 1500-2000 times, enabling clear viewing of some larger structures inside cells.

Question 13

how do we handle a microscope

Answer 13

• It is an expensive instrument and must be handled with care.
• Use both hands
• One hand under the base
• One hand holding the arm
• Hold it close to your body

Question 14

what does eyepiece lens do

Answer 14

this is the lens closest to your eye. it usually has a magnification of x10

Question 15

what does objective lens do

Answer 15

there are three lenses of different strengths which can be used to magnify the image more clearly

Question 16

what is the stage

Answer 16

this is the place where you put the microscope slide, clips hold the slide in place

Question 17

what is the diaphragm

Answer 17

controls the amount of light that goes onto the microscope slide

Question 18

what is the role of the base

Answer 18

this is very heavy to keep the microscope from falling over

Question 19

what does the light source do

Answer 19

projects light onto the microscope slide. this can be a mirror or an electric bulb

Question 20

what is the role of the arm

Answer 20

this holds the eyepiece lens above the stage

Question 21

what is the fine focus knob

Answer 21

this is used to focus the image so that it is sharp and clear

Question 22

what is the coarse focus knob

Answer 22

this is used to focus the image so that you can see it clearly

Question 23

rules for using a microscope

Answer 23

• when focusing on a specimen you should always start with the lowest objective
• when using the high power objective, only the fine focusing knob should be used
• you should carry the microscope by the arm and the base

Question 24

the objective lens are attached to which part of the microscope

Answer 24

the revolving nosepiece which can be used to click the lenses in place

Question 25

how do we calculate magnification

Answer 25

ocular lens power (eyepiece lens power) x objective lens power = magnification

Question 26

describe the path of light through a microscope

Answer 26

The light microscope uses a beam of light to produce an image. Light from the illuminating source passes through the condenser lens which focuses the light rays so that they pass through the hole in the stage and through the specimen on the slide and up to the objective lens. From there it is reflected onto a prism which causes total internal reflection so the light falls onto the ocular lens which magnifies it to project an enlarged image.