. [CH-03-01] Why is the light microscope described as a compound microscope? –
The Correct Answer and Explanation is:
A light microscope is often described as a compound microscope because it utilizes two or more lenses to magnify the specimen, which is why it’s considered “compound.” In this context, the term “compound” refers to the use of multiple lenses in combination to produce a magnified image.
The key components of a light microscope that contribute to this description are the ocular lens (eyepiece) and the objective lens. The ocular lens is typically located at the top of the microscope and is the lens through which the user views the sample. The objective lens, located near the specimen on the rotating nosepiece, is responsible for the primary magnification.
The light microscope works by using visible light that passes through the specimen, and the lenses focus the light to magnify the image. The total magnification is calculated by multiplying the magnification power of the ocular lens by the magnification power of the objective lens being used. For example, if the ocular lens has a magnification of 10x and the objective lens is 40x, the total magnification would be 400x.
A major advantage of the compound microscope is its ability to achieve higher magnification levels compared to a single-lens microscope. Compound microscopes are capable of magnifications up to 1000x or more, making them ideal for observing small specimens such as bacteria, cells, and other microscopic organisms.
In addition to multiple lenses, compound microscopes often incorporate adjustable light sources, such as lamps or mirrors, to illuminate the specimen and enhance contrast, making it easier to view finer details. This combined use of multiple lenses and light adjustment is what earns the microscope the term “compound.”
