Term | Definition |
microscope | a concrete tool used by scientists to magnify objects to allow for more detailed observations of microscopic specimens |
compound microscope | a microscope that contains at least two lenses (on the body tube); able to magnify 400x + |
base | the microscope rests on this so there is stability; the part the has a hand underneath for support when properly carrying a microscope |
mirror/light source | reflects/shines light upward through the diaphragm onto the specimen |
stage | platform where the slide is mounted |
arm | holds the body tube and stage and attaches them both to the base; the part that is held when properly carrying a microscope |
fine adjustment knob | knob used for final focusing (just one) |
coarse adjustment knob | knobs (2) used for initial focusing |
eyepiece | AKA ocular; where a slide is viewed through so the specimen is visible |
body tube | holds the eyepiece at the top and the objective lenses (on the nosepiece) at the bottom |
nosepiece | rotating piece that holds the objective lenses |
objective lens | any lens located at the bottom of the body tube on the nosepiece |
high power objective lens | lens that allows greater magnification of objects (see less of a specimen but more detail) |
low power objective lens | lens used to locate the specimen (see more of specimen but less detail) |
stage clips | arms that hold the slide in place |
diaphragm | regulates the amount of light |
total magnification | the magnification of a compound light microscope: because two lenses are being used to observe a specimen; calculated by multiplying the eyepiece (ocular) magnification by the objective lens magnification |
magnification | how large an object appears under a microscope |