Magnification Answers
Magnification
This is quite straightforward if you follow a few simple steps
1. Learn the magnification equation and how to rearrange it
2. Learn how to use scale bars
3. Learn how to convert between mm, μm and sometimes nm
4. Measure in mm
5. Do not work in mixed units instead convert to the same units (usually μm but not always you need to read
the question carefully to be sure)
The actual size will be smaller than the image size. This is one way you can check that your answer is sensible.
Image size
Actual Size
This is the size of the
The size of the object in
diagram or photo in the
real life!
question.
In a question you could
You can measure this.
be asked to calculate this
or you may be given it to Measure in mm
use in a calculation.
You will usually need to
This will have units of
convert this to μm
length eg mm or μm
Magnification
Rearranging the equation
This how many times larger the image is compared to the object in real
I=AxM life!
AScale
=I÷M Bars It does not have units but you should put an X in front of the value you
M=I÷A calculate.
You may get different answers depending on your measurements eg due to differences when printed.
This is fine so long as your answers are within a close value to these answers.
1. Figure 5.1 shows a single celled organisms called a paramecium
Note that the diagram has a magnification value next to it of X600
A mm is 1000 times larger
than a µm
To convert mm to µm you
need to multiply by 1000
You need to calculate the actual length of the paramecium
So you need to use the equation A = I ÷ M
First measure the length of the paramecium in mm then convert to µm
Length of the paramecium = 105 mm which is 105 000 µm
Now put the values into the equation and calculate the actual length = 105 000 ÷ 600 = 175 µm
2. Figure 5.2 shows a plant cell containing seven chloroplasts
Note the image has a magnification of X9000
You need to calculate the mean length (in µm) of the four largest chloroplasts.
Use the method you used in the previous question.
Show your workings as a series of steps. You will not gain credit if you put the answer without
showing how you arrived at it.
The four longest are 36mm 25mm 28mm and 30mm. The mean length is 29.75mm
29.75mm = 297500 µm (mm x 1000)
Actual length = Image ÷ Magnification
297500 ÷ 9000 = 3.3 µm
Mean length of the chloroplasts = …………………………………………………………………….
3. Figure 5.3 shows a bacterium.
Its actual length is 2 µm. Calculate the magnification of the image. You must show all workings.
Length = 85mm = 85000 µm 85000 ÷ 2 = 42500 Mag = x42500
Magnification = ……………………………….
• Scale bars are the bars alongside diagrams or images that give an indication of size
• You can use scale bars to work out the magnification of the image
4. Try this question (BYB1 Jun 04) by following the instructions
This is a scale bar
To calculate the magnification
you need to
• Measure the length of
the scale bar in mm
• Convert mm to the
units used (in this case
μm)
• Then divide by the
printed value (in this
case 10 μm)
Exam technique
It says show your working
So show the steps
If you just write the answer
and make an error you will
score 0
If you make an error but
show your workings you
may be awarded one of the
Length of the scale bar = 30mm = 30000 µm. Quoted length on scale bar = 10 µm
marks
Mag = 30000 ÷ 10 = x3000
Length of X to Y = 63mm = 63000 µm 63000 ÷ 3000 = 21 µm
5. Figure 5.4 represents a 7 week old embryo
Use the scale bar to calculate the magnification of this image. Show your working
Length of scale bar = 20mm. Quoted length = 10 mm so Magnification = x2
Magnification = ………………………………………
6. Figure 5.6 represents and electronmicrograph of a pollen grain.
Work out the actual width of this pollen grain. Show all steps in your working. Include appropriate units.
Measured length of scale bar = 25mm = 25000 µm. Quoted length = 20 µm so magnification = x1250
Pollen grain measured width = 47 mm = 47000 µm. 47000 ÷ 1250 = 37.6 µm
Actual width = …………………………………………………
7. Figure 5.7 shows red blood cells inside an arteriole
Work out the actual diameter of the red blood cell of the middle bottom red cell. Show all workings and
include correct units.
This uses the same method as explained in other questions. The answer is approx. 8.21 µm
Actual width = …………………………………………………
8. Figure 5.9 represents a bacteriophage (a virus that infects bacteria). These are extremely small.
The actual size length of this bacteriophage (excluding tail fibres) is 200nm.
Work out the magnification of this image. Show all workings.
A nm is 1000 times smaller than a µm (so µm x 1000 = nm)
Magnification = actual size ÷ image size = x200
Image is 29 mm long
29mm = 29000 µm but bacteriophages are so small they are measured in nm
1nm = 1000 µm
So this is 29,000,000nm
29,000,000 ÷ 200
Magnification = X 145,000 or 4.5 x 105
Magnification = ………………………………………
