Compound Light Microscope Laboratory Report

Categories: Chemistry

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Introduction

The microscope is a fundamental scientific tool used to magnify small objects that are otherwise difficult to study with the naked eye. In this laboratory activity, we focus on the compound light microscope, an instrument equipped with two lenses and various adjustment knobs to enhance the clarity of observed images. This report documents our exploration of the correct usage and handling of the compound light microscope.

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Materials

The following materials were used in this experiment:

Compound Light Microscope
Glass Slide with the letter "e" on it

Methods

During the experiment, we observed the glass slide with the letter "e" under the compound light microscope. We noted our observations regarding the orientation of the letter, the field of view, and changes in brightness at different magnifications.

Results

When observing the glass slide with the letter "e" under the microscope, several observations were made:

The letter "e" appeared upside down in the field of view.
When the slide was moved laterally (left or right) or axially (toward or away from the viewer), it went out of the field of view.
Transitioning from 4x to 10x magnification resulted in a decrease in brightness in the view.
At high-power (40x objective), the letter "e" was magnified 400 times larger, but it became more obscure and harder to discern.

Total Magnification and Field of View

The table below presents the total magnification and the areas of the field of view for three objectives:

Objective Power	Objective Magnification	Ocular Magnification	Total Magnification
4x	4x	x	10x = 40x
10x	10x	x	10x = 100x
40x	40x	x	10x = 400x

Discussion

Proper handling of the light microscope is essential to prevent damage and ensure accurate observations.

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Two important procedures should be followed:

Begin observations with the low-power objective to avoid damage to the slide and objective. Use the coarse adjustment knob for initial focusing, reserving the fine adjustment knob for high-power objectives.
Handle the microscope with care. When carrying it, support it with both hands, one holding the arm and the other holding the base. When placing the microscope down, do so gently. Additionally, when not in use, always cover the microscope with a dust cover to protect it.

The compound light microscope, often referred to as a compound microscope, utilizes two lenses to magnify images. This differs from a simple microscope, which employs a single lens. As we observed in the experiment, images viewed through the light microscope appear reversed and inverted. This optical phenomenon occurs because light passing through the eyepiece lens is inverted due to the use of convex lenses. However, the image is corrected on the retina, allowing for proper visual interpretation.

It is important to center the specimen within the field of view under low power before switching to high power. Starting with the low-power objective provides an overview of the entire specimen, making it much easier to locate and observe specific details when magnified at higher powers.

Conclusion

In conclusion, this experiment provided valuable insights into the proper use and handling of the compound light microscope. Key takeaways include starting observations with the low-power objective, using the coarse adjustment knob for initial focusing, and treating the microscope with care to avoid damage. The compound light microscope, characterized by its use of two lenses, is a fundamental tool in the field of biology, enabling detailed observations of microscopic specimens.