required practical: microscopes

• What is the main part of the optical microscope where the slide is placed?

  The stage
• What is the purpose of the clips on the stage of the microscope?

  To hold the slide in place
• What is located below the stage of the microscope?

  A lamp or mirror
• How does light pass through the microscope slide?

  It passes up through the slide
• What are the lenses above the stage called?

  Objective lenses
• How many objective lenses do most microscopes have?

  Three different objective lenses
• What is the magnification of the eyepiece lens?

  Ten times
• What are the typical magnifications of the objective lenses?

  Four, ten, and forty times
• What are the two focusing dials on the microscope?

  Coarse and fine focusing dials
• What is the first step to view a prepared slide using an optical microscope?

  Place the slide onto the stage
• Which objective lens should be selected first for viewing?

  The lowest power objective lens
• How do you position the objective lens when starting to view a slide?

  Almost touches the microscope slide
• Why should you look at the microscope from the side while adjusting the lens?

  To avoid damaging the slide
• What should you do after positioning the objective lens?

  Look down through the eyepiece
• What is the purpose of the coarse focusing dial?

  To increase distance between lens and slide
• What is the purpose of the fine focusing dial?

  To bring cells into clear focus
• How do you calculate the total magnification?

  Multiply eyepiece and objective lens magnifications
• What is the total magnification when using a ten times eyepiece and a four times objective lens?

  Forty times
• What can you see when looking at animal cells under the microscope?

  Nucleus, cytoplasm, and cell membrane
• What should you do after selecting a higher power objective lens?

  Adjust the fine focusing dial
• What should you include in your drawing of cells?

  A magnification scale and labels
• What additional structures might be visible in plant cells?

  Cell wall, vacuole, and chloroplasts
• How do you create a magnification scale for your drawing?

  Measure the diameter of the field of view
• What should you write on your drawing besides the scale?

  The magnification used
• Where can you find more questions on this practical?

  In the vision workbook
• Why is it important to use a pencil for labeling drawings?

  To ensure clear and legible labels
• What are the limitations of detail visible under an optical microscope?

  Limited detail, cannot see organelles
• What types of cells can be observed under an optical microscope?

  Animal and plant cells
• How do you measure the diameter of the field of view?

  Using a clear plastic ruler
• Why is proper slide handling important?

  To avoid damaging the slide
• What role does light play in viewing slides?

  It illuminates the slide for visibility