A compound microscope can use either a concave or a plane mirror, depending on the light source.
The type of mirror used in a compound microscope depends primarily on the light source illuminating the specimen:
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Concave Mirror: A concave mirror is typically used when the light source is positioned close to the microscope, such as when using an electrical lamp as the illumination source. The concave shape helps to focus the light onto the specimen.
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Plane Mirror: A plane mirror is often preferred when viewing specimens using oil immersion lenses or when the light source provides a more diffused or even illumination. The plane mirror simply reflects the light without altering its focus.
In summary, both concave and plane mirrors are used, with the specific choice depending on the microscope's setup and the illumination technique employed.
