1. Light Microscope Light passes through slide/specimen
Series of lenses and mirrors bend the light, magnifying the image seen by the eye.
Effective for about 1000 times magnification.

2. Terminology
Field of View – area that is visible to the observer through the microscope.
Field of view gets smaller as magnification increases.
Total Magnification = Eyepiece x Objective
Example: Objective 40X; Eyepiece 10X
Total Magnification = 10 x 40
Total Magnification = 400X

3. Microscope Parts

4. Microscope Parts
Base & Arm – Used for carrying the microscope. One hand is place on the arm, one on the base.
Diaphragm – Changes the amount of light that is passed through the object.
Stage – Large, flat area on which the slide/specimen is placed; usually has clips to hold the slide in place.
Objective Lens – Magnifies the object.

5. Microscope Parts
Revolving Nosepiece – Allows the objective lens to be changed.
Fine Focus Knob – Sharpens the focus on image that is already visible.
Coarse Focus Knob – Brings the image into view.
Eyepiece – Magnifies the image 10x.
Light Source – Projects light through the slide.

6. Viewing a Slide/Specimen
Start on the lowest objective power with the stage all the way down.
Place the slide on the stage and secure it with the stage clips.
Look into the eyepiece and turn the coarse focus until the image is clear.
Adjust the diaphragm to find the light that allows you to see the most detail.
Turn the fine focus to perfect the image.

7. Viewing a Slide/Specimen
Switch to the next level objective.
DO NOT use the coarse focus. Use the fine focus to perfect the image.
Adjust the diaphragm to find the most detail.
Repeat Steps 6-8 to view on high power.
It is very important to not use the coarse focus on higher objectives so you won’t crush the slide or break the objective.