Introduction to microscope
,•
Invention of
Over time, our knowledge of life has increased &
continues to increase
microscopes
• The invention of Light microscope was a big step –
can magnify objects up to 500 times
• Later, Electron microscope was invented – magnifies
objects >100 000 times
• Electron microscope has powerful resolving power
which can reveal details of specimens
, Microscopy
Scientists use microscopes to visualize cells too small
to see with the naked eye
In a light microscope (LM), visible light is passed
through a specimen and then through glass lenses
Lenses refract (bend) the light, so that the image is
magnified
Magnification allows the image of a microscopic object
to be seen
Resolving power- the ability to distinguish between two
point close together
Contrast- ability to distinguish an object/ part there of
against a background
Object = specimen
Image = what you see when various lenses are used to
© change itsInc.size
2011 Pearson Education,
,•
Invention of
Over time, our knowledge of life has increased &
continues to increase
microscopes
• The invention of Light microscope was a big step –
can magnify objects up to 500 times
• Later, Electron microscope was invented – magnifies
objects >100 000 times
• Electron microscope has powerful resolving power
which can reveal details of specimens
, Microscopy
Scientists use microscopes to visualize cells too small
to see with the naked eye
In a light microscope (LM), visible light is passed
through a specimen and then through glass lenses
Lenses refract (bend) the light, so that the image is
magnified
Magnification allows the image of a microscopic object
to be seen
Resolving power- the ability to distinguish between two
point close together
Contrast- ability to distinguish an object/ part there of
against a background
Object = specimen
Image = what you see when various lenses are used to
© change itsInc.size
2011 Pearson Education,
