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Understanding the Compound Microscope

Apr 28, 2025

Compound Microscope - Lecture Notes

Introduction

  • Topic: Parts of a Compound Microscope and their Functions
  • Platform: Manoj Academy Virtual Practical Class
  • Objective: To understand the components and functionality of a compound microscope.

What is a Compound Light Microscope?

  • Light Microscope: Uses light (LED, natural, or artificial) to illuminate specimens.
  • Compound Microscope: Utilizes two lenses to achieve higher magnification for viewing specimens.

Main Parts of a Compound Microscope

1. Base and Structure

  • Foot/Base: Supports the entire microscope.
  • Arm: Connects the base with the body and supports the lenses.

2. Lenses

  • Eyepiece Lens
    • Magnification of 25x (can also be 10x or 15x depending on the microscope).
  • Objective Lenses
    • Attached on a rotatable disc called the nose piece.
    • Various magnifications: 10x (low), 45x (medium), 100x (high).

3. Stage

  • Stage: Platform where the specimen is placed.
    • Equipped with clips to secure slides.

4. Light Source

  • LED Bulb: Current light source.
  • Mirror (Plano-Concave): Used in some microscopes for focusing light.

5. Diaphragm

  • Function: Adjusts the amount of light entering the specimen field, similar to an iris.

6. Focus Adjustment

  • Coarse Adjustment Screw: Moves body up and down to bring specimen into rough focus.
  • Fine Adjustment Screw: Fine-tunes the focus without moving the body significantly.

Using the Microscope

Preparing and Viewing Specimens

  • Slides and Coverslips
    • Slides: Glass piece where specimens are placed.
    • Coverslip: Thin glass to protect specimen.

Procedure

  1. Secure the slide with the specimen on the stage.
  2. Use screws to move the slide for alignment if necessary.
  3. Begin with coarse adjustment to bring the specimen into focus.
  4. Use fine adjustment for precise focusing.
  5. Ensure adequate light by adjusting the mirror and diaphragm.
  6. Observe the specimen through the eyepiece.

Practical Example

  • Specimen: Algae - Spirogyra
  • Magnification: Eyepiece (25x) + Objective (100x) = Total magnification of 2500x.

Conclusion

  • Session Wrap-Up: Practical understanding of using a compound microscope for observing specimens.
  • Next Steps: Follow up classes for more practical learning.

Additional Resources

  • Visit Manoj Academy for courses on various scientific subjects.

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Full transcript