Using a microscope

• What is the first step to look at prepared slides using a light microscope?

  Clip the slide you've prepared onto the stage.
• What should you select first when using a light microscope?

  Select the lowest-powered objective lens.
• How do you position the stage when using a light microscope?

  Use the coarse adjustment knob to move the stage up to just below the objective lens.
• What is the purpose of looking down the eyepiece of the microscope?

  To use the coarse adjustment knob to move the stage downwards until the image is roughly in focus.
• What should you do after getting a rough focus on the slide?

  Adjust the focus with the fine adjustment knob until you get a clear image.
• When should you swap to a higher-powered objective lens?

  If you need to see the slide with greater magnification.
• What are the main components of a light microscope?

  • Eyepiece
  • Coarse adjustment knob
  • Fine adjustment knob
  • High and low power objective lenses
  • Stage
  • Light