MICROSCOPES A. COMPOUND LIGHT MICROSCOPES
FEATURES Magnification 10X to 400X Formula for determining total magnification – objective lens X ocular lens (eyepiece) Can view living specimens in two dimensions Cannot view opaque specimens Resolution falls as magnification increases
b. Stereo or dissecting microscope
FEATURES Low magnification Can view opaque images Obtain 3-D images Can view opaque images
c. Scanning Electron Microscope
FEATURES Magnification – up to 50,000 X Specimen must be coated in gold – so cannot view live specimens Specimens in 3 D Specimens are in black and white Expensive High resolution
Transmission electron microscope
FEATURES Highest magnification and resolution 2 D images Specimen must be thinly sliced