❑ A compound light microscope uses two lenses.
❑ Light passes through a sample, which creates an
image.
❑ The image is passed through an objective lens
first, then an eyepiece before reaching your eye.
❑ The two lenses work together to magnify the
image so that it appears larger to your eye.
❑ There are several parts to a microscope, each
having a specific function and purpose.
❑ Let’s look at each part of the microscope and its
use.
❑ Eyepiece:
❑ AKA the ocular lens
❑ a place to view the
specimen
❑ Body Tube:
❑ AKA Head
❑ Revolving Nosepiece:
❑ rotates to change
between different
objective lenses
❑ Objective Lenses:
❑ 3 or 4 different lens
choices ranging from
4X to 40X
❑ Low (4X)-shortest
❑ Medium (10X)
❑ High (varies)-longest
▪ This lens is closest to the
specimen.
❑ Stage:
❑ holds the slide and has
a window that allows
light to pass through
the specimen
❑ Diaphragm:
❑ turns to adjust the
amount of light that
passes through the
specimen
❑ Arm:
❑ allows user to hold the
microscope securely
❑ Base:
❑ supports the
microscope
● Always carry the
micros by the arm and
one hand under the
base
❑ Stage Clips:
❑ These clips hold a slide
in place on the stage
for viewing.
❑ Light Source:
❑ shines light upward
through the specimen
and to the lenses
❑ Fine Adjustment Knob:
❑ fine tunes the focus
❑ used with all objective
lenses
❑ Coarse Adjustment Knob:
❑ moves the stage up and
down
❑ used only with low and
medium objective lens
Calculating Magnification
Objective Lens 4X 10X 40X
Eye 10X 10X 10X
Piece
Total
Magnification
❑ Always carry the microscope by the arm and the base.
❑ Always start viewing a specimen on the lowest power.
❑ Adjust the diaphragm to ensure light is passing through
the specimen.
❑ Clean the lens with lens paper only.
❑ Return the objective lens to LOW power when finished.
❑ Ensure that slides are removed from the microscope and the
cord is wrapped around the microscope.
❑ Always lower the stage before putting the microscope away.
❑ Keep the microscope clean.
❑ Do not use the coarse adjustment knob with the high power
objective lenses. YOU COULD BREAK THE SLIDE.
❑ Don’t put specimens directly on the microscope stage.
Always use a prepared slide.
❑ Don’t touch the lenses with your hands or other objects.
Let’s
Practice!
arm power switch
eyepiece nose piece
low power body tube
stage coarse adj.
knob
stage clips
fine adj.
base knob
Light med. power 15.
diaphragm high power