The Structure of a Microscope
A microscope is an instrument that allows people to see objects that are too small for the naked eye. The standard optical microscope has several parts that work together to enlarge a specimen.
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Eyepiece Lens
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The eyepiece lens is where the human eye views a magnified object.
Objective Lens
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The objective lens is a second magnified lens on the microscope. Light passes through both the eyepiece lens and the magnified lens. By multiplying the magnification of the eyepiece lens with the magnification of the objective lens, the user can determine the total magnification.
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Arm, Base and Stage
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The purpose of the arm and base is to give the microscope stability and support. The stage is where the object to be magnified is secured.
Light and Diaphragm
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Below the stage is the diaphragm. The purpose of the diaphragm is to adjust the intensity of the light illuminating the object. Intensity is adjusted based on the transparency of the specimen. The light itself sits below the diaphragm and above the base.
Focus Knobs
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There are two focus knobs on a standard microscope. The coarse focus knob is first used to focus as clearly as possible, while the fine focus knob brings the object into more precise focus.
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References
- Photo Credit microscope image by Goran Bogicevic from Fotolia.com
