The total magnification of a compound microscope is calculated by multiplying the magnification of the ocular lens (eyepiece) by the magnification of the objective lens.
Here's a more detailed explanation:
A compound microscope uses a system of lenses to magnify a small object. Two sets of lenses are crucial for determining the total magnification:
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Ocular Lens (Eyepiece): This is the lens you look through. It typically has a magnification of 10x, but other magnifications (e.g., 5x, 15x, 20x) are also available.
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Objective Lenses: These are the lenses located closest to the specimen. A compound microscope usually has multiple objective lenses with varying magnifications, such as 4x, 10x, 40x, and 100x.
Calculating Total Magnification:
To determine the total magnification, simply multiply the magnification of the ocular lens by the magnification of the objective lens being used.
Formula:
Total Magnification = (Ocular Lens Magnification) x (Objective Lens Magnification)
Examples:
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If the ocular lens has a magnification of 10x, and the objective lens being used has a magnification of 4x, the total magnification is: 10x * 4x = 40x.
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If the ocular lens has a magnification of 10x, and the objective lens being used has a magnification of 40x, the total magnification is: 10x * 40x = 400x.
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If the ocular lens has a magnification of 10x, and the objective lens being used has a magnification of 100x, the total magnification is: 10x * 100x = 1000x.
Therefore, by selecting different objective lenses, a compound microscope can provide a range of magnifications, allowing you to observe specimens at different levels of detail. Remember to always multiply the ocular lens magnification by the objective lens magnification to find the total magnification.
