Julia Jensen
BIO 1500- EO1
Estefania Marin
February 7, 2022
Homework
1. Define magnification and resolution. Compare and contrast the two.
Magnification is when smaller objects appear larger than their normal size due to the
microscope. Resolution is the ability to make the image sharper and allows the individual to see
the image clearer. Both are required to see a specimen under the microscope both closely and
clearly.
2. Why does your field of view become smaller as you increase your magnification?
When you increase magnification, the higher-powered objective lens is closer to the specimen,
this decreases the area of the field of view. When there is a high magnification, the area of the
object is only seen partly and can be seen from the field of view of the human eye.
3. What is the focal plane? How is it limited? Where did you see this limitation occur?
The focal plane is the distance from the lens to the image, in which there are two points of light
coming in from the rear and front. This allows for the sharpest quality to examine the specimen.
It is limited as magnification increases. I saw this limitation occur when trying to see a specimen
up close.
4. What is the primary difference between the compound microscope and the
dissecting microscope?
High powered microscopes allow for magnification up to about 100x, while dissecting all for
about 100x.
5. Read up on the 100x objective (total magnification 1000x), why is it necessary to use
oil immersion when using this objective?
When a lower magnification is used, light refraction is not seen. Reducing the light refraction
allows more light to pass through the microscope slide and more light allows for clearer images.
Immersion oil is necessary to allow more light to be directed through the objective, which allows
a clear image.
6. At what point should you stop using the course adjustment knob on the compound
microscope? Why should you stop using it?
BIO 1500- EO1
Estefania Marin
February 7, 2022
Homework
1. Define magnification and resolution. Compare and contrast the two.
Magnification is when smaller objects appear larger than their normal size due to the
microscope. Resolution is the ability to make the image sharper and allows the individual to see
the image clearer. Both are required to see a specimen under the microscope both closely and
clearly.
2. Why does your field of view become smaller as you increase your magnification?
When you increase magnification, the higher-powered objective lens is closer to the specimen,
this decreases the area of the field of view. When there is a high magnification, the area of the
object is only seen partly and can be seen from the field of view of the human eye.
3. What is the focal plane? How is it limited? Where did you see this limitation occur?
The focal plane is the distance from the lens to the image, in which there are two points of light
coming in from the rear and front. This allows for the sharpest quality to examine the specimen.
It is limited as magnification increases. I saw this limitation occur when trying to see a specimen
up close.
4. What is the primary difference between the compound microscope and the
dissecting microscope?
High powered microscopes allow for magnification up to about 100x, while dissecting all for
about 100x.
5. Read up on the 100x objective (total magnification 1000x), why is it necessary to use
oil immersion when using this objective?
When a lower magnification is used, light refraction is not seen. Reducing the light refraction
allows more light to pass through the microscope slide and more light allows for clearer images.
Immersion oil is necessary to allow more light to be directed through the objective, which allows
a clear image.
6. At what point should you stop using the course adjustment knob on the compound
microscope? Why should you stop using it?
