Microscope Magnification Calculation Quiz

Microscope Basics

• The total magnification of a compound microscope is calculated by multiplying the magnification of the ocular lens by the magnification of the objective lens.
• In a brightfield microscope, objects are observed against a bright background.

Illumination Techniques

• When illuminated objects are seen against a dark background in a microscope, it is referred to as darkfield illumination.
• The purpose of using a darkfield condenser in microscopy is to block direct light and only allow scattered light to reach the objective lens, resulting in a dark background.

Compound Microscope Components

• The eyepiece of a compound microscope is often referred to as the ocular lens.
• The total magnification when using an X10 ocular and an X40 objective lens is X400.

Simple Microscopes

• A simple microscope is defined as a microscope that uses a single lens to magnify objects.
• The maximum magnifying power of Leeuwenhoek's simple microscopes was around X270.

Resolution and Magnification

• The resolving power of a compound light microscope is typically around 0.2-0.3 μm.
• The size of objects that can be seen in a compound light microscope is limited by the wavelength of light.
• A compound microscope is also known as a compound light microscope because it uses visible light to illuminate the specimen.
• A magnifying glass makes objects appear 2-3 times larger.

Human Vision and Microscopy

• The resolving power of the unaided human eye is around 100-200 μm.
• A microscope is an optical instrument used to observe tiny objects that cannot be seen with the unaided human eye.

Microorganism Sizes

• The size of viruses is commonly expressed in nanometers (nm).
• The size range of most viruses that cause human diseases is from 20-400 nm.
• The size limit of microorganisms that can be seen with the unaided human eye is around 100-200 μm.

Test your knowledge on calculating total magnification in a compound microscope by multiplying the magnifying power of the ocular lens with the objective lens. Understand the function of eyepiece and objective lens in magnifying the specimen. Prepare for your laboratory experiments or exams with this quiz.