Physics Investigatory
Project
Study of the Compound Microscope
Submitted by:
Name: [Your Name]
Class: XII – Science
Roll Number: [Your Roll Number]
School: [Your School Name]
Session: 2024–25
Index
1. Acknowledgement
2. Certificate
3. Introduction
4. Objective
5. Apparatus Required
6. Theory
7. Construction of a Compound
Microscope
8. Ray Diagram
9. Working of the Microscope
10. Observations & Calculations
11. Result
12. Applications
13. Advantages & Limitations
14. Precautions
15. Conclusion
16. Bibliography
Acknowledgement
I am grateful to my Physics teacher,
[Teacher’s Name], for the valuable
guidance, support, and encouragement
throughout the completion of this project.
I also express my gratitude to the
Principal, my parents, and classmates for
their continuous support and
cooperation.
Certificate
This is to certify that [Your Name], a
student of Class XII, has completed the
Physics Investigatory Project on “Study of
the Compound Microscope” under the
supervision of [Teacher’s Name] in the
academic session 2024–25.
Teacher's Signature: __________
Principal's Signature: __________
Date: __________
Introduction
A compound microscope is a powerful
optical device used to magnify small
objects, especially in biological and
medical laboratories. It uses two lenses –
the objective and the eyepiece – to
produce high magnification.
This project explores the microscope’s
structure, magnifying power, and
scientific uses.
Objective
To study the design, working principle,
and magnifying power of a compound
microscope, and demonstrate its ability to
magnify tiny biological samples like onion
cells.
Apparatus Required
• Compound microscope
• Prepared glass slides (e.g., onion peel)
• Light source
• Scale or tape
• Pencil, notebook, ruler
• Vernier calipers
Theory
A compound microscope magnifies small
objects using refraction of light through
convex lenses.
Magnifying Power:
M = (L/fo) × (1 + D/fe)
Where:
L = Tube length
fo = Objective focal length
fe = Eyepiece focal length
D = 25 cm (least distance of distinct
vision)
Construction of a
Compound
Microscope
• Eyepiece: Convex lens near the eye
• Objective: Convex lens near the object
• Tube: Connects both lenses
• Stage: Holds specimen
• Mirror: Reflects light onto slide
• Adjustments: Coarse and fine focus
knobs
Ray Diagram
A labeled ray diagram should be inserted
here showing:
1. Real image by objective
2. Virtual image by eyepiece
(Draw in actual document or insert
image)
Working of the
Microscope
1. Place slide on stage.
2. Adjust mirror and diaphragm.
3. Focus using knobs.
4. Observe through eyepiece.
5. Record lens focal lengths.
Observations &
Calculations
L = 16 cm, fo = 1.5 cm, fe = 2.5 cm, D = 25
cm
M = (16/1.5) × (1 + 25/2.5)
M = 10.67 × 11 = 117.37 ≈ 117×
Result
The magnifying power of the compound
microscope is approximately 117×. It
magnifies the object 117 times its actual
size.
Applications
• Biology: Cells, tissues
• Medicine: Diagnosis
• Forensics: Hair, fibers
• Materials science: Surface analysis
Advantages &
Limitations
Advantages:
• High magnification
• Portable
• Affordable
Limitations:
• Only thin samples
• Limited depth
• Needs careful handling
Precautions
• Don’t touch lenses
• Start with low magnification
• Use clean slides
• Adjust lighting properly
Conclusion
The compound microscope is a vital
scientific tool. This project provided
hands-on knowledge of its principles,
usage, and applications.
Bibliography
• NCERT Physics Class 12
• Laxmi Practical Physics
• [Link]/microscope
• Britannica Encyclopedia
• Lab Manuals