Parts of the Compound Light

Microscope
Slide # 2

Microscope Parts and Functions

A A. Eyepiece: Holds ocular lens

M
B B. Arm: supports tube & connects it to
the base
L C C. Stage Clip: holds microscope slide in
place
K
D. Coarse adjustment: raises / lowers
J stage to bring image into focus
D
E. Fine adjustment: brings image into
I E sharp focus
H F. Base: Supports microscope
G F
G. Illuminator: Light source
H. Diaphragm: Controls the amount of
light that passes through a specimen
L. Revolving nosepiece: holds 2 or I. Stage: platform that holds the slide
more objective lenses J. Microscope slide: holds the specimen
M. Body tube: Connects eyepiece K. Objective lenses: magnifies the
to objective lens specimen
– Shortest lens has least
magnification
– Longest lens has greatest
magnification
Slide # 3

Microscope Parts and Functions

A

B
M

L C I. Stage: platform that holds

K
the slide
J
D
J. Microscope slide: holds
I E
the specimen
H K. Objective lenses:
G F magnifies the specimen
– Shortest lens has least
magnification
H. Diaphragm: Controls
– Longest lens has
the amount of light that
greatest magnification
passes through a
specimen
Slide # 4

Microscope Parts and Functions

A

B
M
L. Revolving nosepiece:
L C holds 2 or more objective
K lenses
J
D M. Body tube: Connects
I E eyepiece to objective lens
H

G F
 A

B
M

L C

J
D

I
E

G F
Slide # 5

How to Calculate Magnification

Magnification of eyepiece X magnification of
objective lens

If eyepiece is 10 x and objective lens is 4x, then what is the total

magnification?

10x X 4x = 40X
Slide # 6

TAKS PRACTICE
A student wants to view cells under the
compound microscope at a total magnification
of 400X. If the eyepiece is 10X, which of the
following objective lenses should be used?

A 4X How do we calculate
B 10X magnification?
C 40X
D 100X Eyepiece X Objective lens =
Total magnification

Correct Answer = C 10x X n = 400x

10x = 10x

n = 40x
 Slide # 7
How a Light Microscope Works
1. Use lenses to make small objects
appear larger
2. Compound light microscope: Two
lenses separated by a tube
3. Lenses magnify an object by
bending the light that passes
through the lens
4. Magnification: ability to make
things appear larger than they are
5. Resolution: fineness of detail that
can be seen in an image
Go to
Section:
Slide # 8

Microscope Safety
1. Always use 2 hands to carry a microscope; one on
the arm and one hand supporting the base
2. Only use lens tissue to clean lenses
3. When focusing, always look to the side to watch and
make sure the objective lens doesn’t hit the slide
4. Always use the lowest power (shortest) objective
lens for bringing specimen into focus
5. Bring specimen into focus by first using coarse
adjustment, then use fine adjustment
6. Never use a microscope with a frayed cord
7. Because we have running water in our lab area,
NEVER turn on the water when using a microscope
Slide # 9
How to Prepare a Slide

1. Place slide on a flat surface.

2. Place a drop of water on the slide. Add the specimen to the drop
of water (at times, you may want to have the specimen already
on the slide before adding the water).
3. Hold the coverslip by its sides and lay its bottom edge on the
slide close to the specimen. Holding the coverslip at a 45° angle
helps.
4. Slowly lower the coverslip so that it spreads the water out. If you
get air bubbles (looking like little black doughnuts), gently press
on the coverslip to move them to the edge. If there are dry areas
under the coverslip, add a little more water at the edge of the
coverslip. Too much water can be dabbed off with a piece of
paper towel
Slide # 9

How to Prepare a Slide

The diagram below shows how a cover-slip should be
lowered onto some single-celled organisms during the
preparation of a wet mount.

Why is this a preferred procedure?

A The cover-slip will prevent the slide from breaking.
B The organisms will be more evenly distributed.
C The possibility of breaking the cover-slip is reduced.
D The possibility of trapping air bubbles is reduced.