The Compound Light Microscope
What is it? Light passes through the specimen & lenses Compound- more than 1 lens Microscope is the combination of two words Micro- small Scope- view
Magnification & Resolution Magnification- making an image appear larger than its actual size. Resolution- the clarity of an image. Both high magnification and good resolution are needed to view the details of extremely small objects clearly.
Parts and Uses
Eyepiece and Body Tube The eyepiece or ocular lens magnifies objects by the amount listed on the eyepiece
Objectives and Stage Clips There are 3 objective lenses Scanning- 4X Low Power- 10X High Power- 40 X Stage clips hold the slide in place. Nosepiece
Stage, Light, and Diaphragm The stage supports the slide being viewed. The light source projects upward through the diaphragm, the specimen, and the lenses. The diaphragm controls the amount of light.
Arm and Base The arm is used to support the microscope when it is carried. The base supports the microscope.
Coarse Adjustment Knob Moves the stage up and down for focusing. ONLY USED WITH SCANNING OBJECTIVE (4X)!!!!
Fine Adjustment Knob Moves the stage slightly to sharpen the image. Used with the 10X and 40X objective to focus.
Magnification What happens as the power of magnification increases?
Other Types of Microscopes Electron microscopes use a beam of electrons, NOT light Live organisms can’t be viewed with an electron microscope.