Microscope

• What is the purpose of the eyepiece or ocular lens in a compound microscope?

  It is the lens at the top that you look through
• What is the magnification of the eyepiece lens typically?

  10x
• What does the diaphragm do in a compound microscope?

  It controls the amount of light passing through the object
• What is the function of the stage in a compound microscope?

  It is where the slides are placed
• Why should the coarse adjustment knob only be used on low power?

  Because it moves the objective lenses up and down significantly
• What is the role of the stage clips in a compound microscope?

  They hold the slides in place
• How should you carry a microscope?

  Grasp the arm with one hand and place the other hand under the base
• What are the steps to properly use a microscope?

  1. Grasp the arm and support the base.
  2. Place on a table with the arm toward you.
  3. Revolve the nosepiece to low power.
  4. Center the slide on the stage.
  5. Use the coarse adjustment knob to focus.
  6. Adjust the diaphragm for light.
  7. Ensure the object is centered before switching power.
  8. Carefully switch to medium or high power.
  9. Use only the fine adjustment knob on higher power.

  10. Remove the slide and return to low power before storing.
• What is the function of the arm in a microscope?

  Supports the body tube relative to the stage.
• What should you do before switching to medium or high power on a microscope?

  Make sure the object is in the middle of the field of view
• What does the body tube do in a microscope?

  Supports the eyepiece and objective lenses, keeping them optically aligned.
• What is the purpose of the fine adjustment knob?

  It is used to sharply focus the image
• What is the purpose of the coarse adjustment knob?

  Permits large upward and downward movement of the stage for initial focusing.
• What should you do after using the microscope?

  Remove the slide and return the low power objective lens to place
• Why is it important to turn the coarse adjustment knob to move the stage as far from the lens as possible before storing the microscope?

  To prevent damage to the slide and lenses
• What is the low power objective lens used for?

  It is an objective lens of low magnification, usually 4x, used to locate specimens.
• How does the function of the nosepiece contribute to the operation of a compound microscope?

  It holds and allows rotation of the objective lenses into position
• What does the medium power objective lens do?

  It is an objective lens typically magnifying at 10x.
• What is the function of the base in a compound microscope?

  It supports the microscope and is used when carrying it
• What is the function of the high power objective lens?

  It is an objective lens that magnifies at 40x.
• What happens if you use the coarse adjustment knob on high power?

  It may crack the slide
• What does the revolving nosepiece do?

  Supports a number of changeable objective lenses and enables magnification changes.
• What is the purpose of the lamp or light source in a compound microscope?

  It sends light up through the microscope to your eye
• What is the function of the stage in a microscope?

  Supports and positions the specimen.
• What does the iris/diaphragm do?

  Adjusts the amount of light passing through the specimen.
• What is the role of the body tube in a compound microscope?

  It holds the ocular lens and objective lenses at the proper working distance
• What is the range of magnification for the objective lenses on a microscope?

  4x-100x
• What should you do if the specimen is not in focus after switching to medium or high power?

  Use the fine adjustment knob to focus the image
• What is the purpose of the fine adjustment knob?

  Permits small upward and downward movement of the stage for final focusing.
• How does the structure of the compound microscope enhance its functionality?

  The combination of multiple lenses allows for varied magnification and clarity
• What is the ocular lens in a microscope?

  A magnifying element in the optical system, also known as the eyepiece.
• What is the scanning lens used for?

  It is an objective lens of low magnification, usually 4x, used to locate specimens.
• What is the function of the base in a microscope?

  It provides stability and support for the microscope.
• What does the light source do in a microscope?

  Illuminates the specimen for better visibility.
• What are the main parts of a microscope and their functions?

  • Arm: Supports body tube relative to stage.
  • Body tube: Keeps eyepiece and objective lenses aligned.
  • Coarse adjustment knob: Large movement for initial focusing.
  • Low power objective lens: 4x magnification for locating specimens.
  • Medium power objective lens: 10x magnification.
  • High power objective lens: 40x magnification.
  • Revolving nosepiece: Changes objective lenses.
  • Stage: Supports and positions specimen.
  • Iris/diaphragm: Adjusts light passing through specimen.
  • Fine adjustment knob: Small movement for final focusing.
  • Ocular lens: Eyepiece magnifying element.
  • Scanning lens: Low magnification for locating specimens.
  • Base: Provides stability.
  • Light source: Illuminates specimen.