Session Two (1.2.2): Microscopes and Magnification

Introduction

Microscopes are pieces of equipment that magnify small structures like cells and enable the human eye to view them. Two lenses are used to magnify a small structure: the ‘objective lens’ and the ‘eyepiece lens’. The combined magnifying power of both lenses determines how much a structure is magnified by. You need to be able to calculate the magnification of a cell or structure within a cell using the magnification formula and be able to give its size in micrometres. You also need to be able to convert between millimetres and micrometres.

Reading

Return to page 10 and make notes on magnification. Take note of the formula used to calculate magnification and the units that are used.

Tasks

Complete the in-text questions. Check your answers and add the magnification formula to the Formula file your created in the Introductory Module or write it on a sticky note and display the note in a prominent place.

Links

WATCH - Microscopy - how to use a microscope (YouTube) Links to an external site.

WATCH - Magnify (Twig) [Not available with sample course]

WATCH - Calculating Magnification of Drawings (YouTube) Links to an external site.