Microscopes

• Describe the steps for using a light microscope

  -Start with the lowest power objective under the eyepiece

  -Clip the slide securely on the stage

  -Adjust the light source so light goes up through the slide

  -Use the coarse focusing knob to focus on the slide

  -Move the slide so the cell is in the middle

  -If needed select a higher power objective lens

  -Use the fine focusing knob to bring back the cell into focus
• Describe the pathway of light through a microscope

  Light source --> Stage --> Slide --> Object --> Objective lens --> Body tube --> Eyepiece --> Eye
• What is magnification


  How many times larger the image is than the object
• What is the formula for magnification

  Magnification = image size / real size and triangle= MIR
• Tips for magnification questions

  -Measure the image in millimeters

  -Multiply by 1000 to get it in micrometers

  -If the image has a scale bar, use that to find the answer
• What is the formula for Magnification of an object

  Magnification of an object= Magnification of eyepiece x Magnification of objective lens
• What is resolution

  The shortest distance between two distinguishable points on an object
• Give advantages and disadvantages of a light microscope

  ✔ Easy to use

  ✔ Small

  ✔ Relatively cheap

  ❌ Greatest magnification is about 2000
• Give advantages and disadvantages of a electron microscope

  ✔ Use electrons instead of light so maximum magnification is up to 10 million (better resolution)

  ❌ Big

  ❌ Expensive

  ❌ Hard to use (only specialists can)
• Coversions tips

  —-> Divide

  <—— Times

  Kilo,meter,centi,milli,micro,nano,pico