Lab 3 Introduction on to the Microscope
Introduc on
Lab 3 Introduc on to the Microscope
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Lab 3: Introduc on to the Microscope
Concepts to explore: x x x x x Types of microscopes Parts of a microscope How to use a microscope Preparing a wet mount slide Depth of eld
Introduc on
Some objects are far too small to be seen with the human eye. However, by using a microscope many can be viewed in great detail. There are many types of microscopes that range from low–level magni ca on (i.e., hand held magni ca on lens) to very high power magni ca on (i.e., an electron micro scope). In the middle of that range lies the light microscope, or for our purposes, the compound light microscope, which uses mul ple lenses. The compound light microscope (Figure 1) has two sets of lenses:
x x
the ocular lenses (close to your eyes) the objec ve lenses (close to the “object” on the stage).
Along with a light source, these lenses work together to magnify the object being viewed. In the case of the compound light microscope, the total magni ca on is equal to the magni ca on power of the ocular lens mul plied by the magni ca on power of the objec ve lens. For example, if the ocular lens magni es 10X (this means 10 mes) and the objec ve lens magni es 10X, the total magni ca on is 100X.
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Lab 3: Introduc on to the Microscope
Figure 1: A compound microscope can magnify objects that are not visible to the naked eye so that they can be studied.
Parts of a Compound Light Microscope: Base: The at support of the microscope. Light: Illuminates the object being viewed. This can be either in the form of a light source or a mirror that re ects ambient light onto the image. In the la er case it is important to be working in an environment with adequate ambient light. Stage: Supports the slide or other material to be viewed. Diaphragm: Controls the amount of light allowed on the object. Stage Clips: Secure the slide in place.
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Lab 3: Introduc on to the Microscope
Revolving Nosepiece:
Lab 3 Introduc on to the Microscope
33
34
Lab 3: Introduc on to the Microscope
Concepts to explore: x x x x x Types of microscopes Parts of a microscope How to use a microscope Preparing a wet mount slide Depth of eld
Introduc on
Some objects are far too small to be seen with the human eye. However, by using a microscope many can be viewed in great detail. There are many types of microscopes that range from low–level magni ca on (i.e., hand held magni ca on lens) to very high power magni ca on (i.e., an electron micro scope). In the middle of that range lies the light microscope, or for our purposes, the compound light microscope, which uses mul ple lenses. The compound light microscope (Figure 1) has two sets of lenses:
x x
the ocular lenses (close to your eyes) the objec ve lenses (close to the “object” on the stage).
Along with a light source, these lenses work together to magnify the object being viewed. In the case of the compound light microscope, the total magni ca on is equal to the magni ca on power of the ocular lens mul plied by the magni ca on power of the objec ve lens. For example, if the ocular lens magni es 10X (this means 10 mes) and the objec ve lens magni es 10X, the total magni ca on is 100X.
35
Lab 3: Introduc on to the Microscope
Figure 1: A compound microscope can magnify objects that are not visible to the naked eye so that they can be studied.
Parts of a Compound Light Microscope: Base: The at support of the microscope. Light: Illuminates the object being viewed. This can be either in the form of a light source or a mirror that re ects ambient light onto the image. In the la er case it is important to be working in an environment with adequate ambient light. Stage: Supports the slide or other material to be viewed. Diaphragm: Controls the amount of light allowed on the object. Stage Clips: Secure the slide in place.
36
Lab 3: Introduc on to the Microscope
Revolving Nosepiece: