Microscope Mechanical Parts Quiz

Microscope Overview

• A microscope is an instrument designed to magnify small objects not visible to the naked eye.

Mechanical Parts

• Adjustment Screws: Two pairs of wheels on the body tube; coarse adjustment for low power focus, fine adjustment for delicate focus on high power and oil immersion.
• Base: Y or U-shaped support structure for the microscope.
• Draw Tube: Upper end of the body tube housing the eyepiece or ocular lens.
• Body Tube: Vertical cylindrical part that contains the dust shield and nosepiece with objectives.
• Handle/Arm: Curved metal part for holding the microscope.
• Dust Shield: Protects the objectives' lenses from dust.
• Revolving Nosepiece: Holds and rotates the objective lenses for selection.
• Stage: Flat platform for placing slides.
• Stage Clips: Structures that secure slides in place on the stage.
• Inclination Joint: Allows tilting of the microscope.
• Pillar: Metal segment supporting the microscope, attached to the base.
• Mirror Rack: Holds the mirror used for directing light towards the specimen.

Magnifying Parts

• Ocular/Eyepiece: Lens at the draw tube for viewing specimens.
• Objectives: Primary magnifying lenses of varying powers:
  • Scanner (4x) for a whole view.
  • Low Power (10x) for a larger image.
  • High Power (40x) for detailed views.
  • Oil Immersion (100x) for maximum magnification, requiring immersion oil.
• Total Magnification: Calculated as Objective Power x Eyepiece Power.

Illuminating Parts

• Abbe Condenser: Concentrates light onto the specimen.
• Iris Diaphragm: Adjusts light amount using circular blades.
• Mirror: Directs light with concave and flat surfaces, enhancing visibility.

Maintenance and Care

• Always carry with both hands: one on the handle, one on the base.
• Avoid contact between water/chemicals and the microscope components.
• Clean lenses with tissue or soft paper.
• Store away from the edge of the table, never in a tilted position.
• Seek instructor assistance for any focusing issues.

How to Use the Microscope

• Set up the microscope carefully.
• Clean the lens before viewing.
• Prepare and insert the slide appropriately.
• Adjust light control for optimal clarity.
• Focus the microscope, starting with low power.
• Gradually increase magnification for detailed observation.

Terminologies

• Field of Vision: Circular area viewed through the ocular where the specimen appears.
• Magnifying Power: The lens's ability to enlarge images.
• Magnification: Ratio of the image's apparent size to the specimen's actual size.
• Total Magnification: Product of eyepiece and objective magnifying power.
• Numerical Aperture: Indicates the light-gathering capability of the lens.
• Resolution: Finest detail visible in the image; smaller pixel size equates to finer detail.
• Resolving Power: Lens’s ability to distinguish between two points or lines clearly.