Parts of a Compound Microscope

• What are the two types of light sources for a compound light microscope?

  Natural source and artificial source
• What is the function of the mirror in a compound light microscope?


  The mirror reflects light
• What does the condenser do in a compound light microscope?


  The condenser concentrates light
• What is the role of the diaphragm in a compound light microscope?


  The diaphragm focuses light on the eye
• What is the purpose of the objective lens in a compound light microscope?


  The objective lens gathers light
• How much does the ocular lens enlarge the object?


  5x or 10x
• What is the function of the low power objective (LPO)?


  The LPO locates and enlarges the specimen 10x
• What does the high power objective (HPO) do?


  The HPO enlarges the specimen 40, 43, or 45x
• What is the magnification of the oil immersion objective (OIO)?


  100x
• What is the role of the base in a compound light microscope?


  The base supports the weight of the microscope
• What does the arm of the microscope do?


  The arm supports the body tube
• What is the function of the stage in a compound light microscope?


  The stage supports the slide
• What do the stage clips do?


  The stage clips hold the slide firmly in place
• What is the purpose of the adjustment screws in a compound light microscope?


  The adjustment screws move the objectives to bring the specimen into focus
• What is the difference between the coarse adjustment screw and the fine adjustment screw?


  The coarse adjustment screw moves the body tube faster, while the fine adjustment screw is used for sharp focus
• What does the revolving nosepiece do?


  The revolving nosepiece holds the different objectives
• What is the function of the dust shield in a compound light microscope?


  The dust shield protects the lenses from dust
• What is the role of the eyepiece in a compound light microscope?


  The eyepiece magnifies the image produced by the objective
• What does the eyepiece tube do?


  The eyepiece tube holds the eyepiece lens
• What is the purpose of the coarse focus on the microscope?


  The coarse focus moves the stage up and down to bring the specimen into focus
• What does the fine focus do in a compound light microscope?


  The fine focus brings the specimen into sharp focus under low power and all focusing using high powered lenses
• What is the magnification range of the objective lens in a compound light microscope?


  4x to 100x
• What is the function of the illuminator in a compound light microscope?


  The illuminator captures light from an external source of 100v
• What does the diaphragm (iris) do in a compound light microscope?


  The diaphragm controls the amount of light that reaches the specimen
• What is the role of the base in a compound light microscope?


  The base provides support, houses the light source, and serves as a platform