A2.1 The Light Microscope
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What is the purpose of a light microscope?
To produce a magnified image of cells using visible light and lenses, allowing observation of cell structure and movement.
What limits the resolution of a light microscope?
The wavelength of visible light, limiting resolution to ~0.2 μm.
Why must specimens be thin and transparent?
To allow light transmission; thick specimens reduce resolution and detail.
Define magnification
How many times larger an image appears compared to its actual size.
Magnification equation
Magnification = image size ÷ actual size
Define resolution
The ability to distinguish two close objects as separate.
Key parts of a compound light microscope
Eyepiece lens, objective lenses, coarse focus knob, fine focus knob, condenser, mechanical stage, in-built light source, arm.
What is an eyepiece graticule?
A scale in the eyepiece used to measure image size.
What is a stage micrometer?
A slide with a known scale used to calibrate the graticule.
Why must calibration be repeated for each magnification?
Because magnification changes scale value of each graticule division.