Microscope Notes

1. Microscope Notes • The proper use of microscopes is important in your study of biology. • In the class you will find two different types of microscopes, a compound (high power) microscope and a dissection or stereo (low power microscope) Low power dissection microscope High power compound microscope

2. Microscope Parts High power microscopes have two lenses which provide the magnification. The first lens is located in the eyepiece and is 10X. The second lens is found on the revolving nosepiece and contains a 4X, 10X, or 40X objective lens. Total magnification is equal to the eyepiece x the objective lens selected.

3. Microscope Use • To use the microscope place a glass slide on the stage of the microscope, and turn the revolving nosepiece until the low power (4X) objective is in line with the eyepiece. • Use the coarse adjusting knob to turn the objective lens close to the stage. • Slowly move the coarse adjusting know until the specimen becomes focused. • Once your specimen is found on low power you can move the objective to 10X for more magnification, and then 40X.

4. Microscope Use • When your objective lens is on high power you only use the fine adjusting knob to focus. • Stage clips may or may not be used to hold your slide on the stage. • The diaphragm allows you to adjust the light allowed onto the stage.

5. Microscope Care *When done using a microscope move the objective lens to low power and place the cover over the microscope. • If you move a microscope use both hands and be careful. • Make sure to unplug your microscope when done. • Use lens paper to clean off dust from a slide of microscope lens.

6. Preparing Slides • Usually a specimen is placed on a glass slide, and sometimes a cover slip is placed over the specimen. • Rarely would you ever put a specimen directly on the stage of a microscope. • A wet mount involves placing a specimen on a slide, adding a drop of liquid, and then using a cover slip over the top.

7. Using the Microscope to Measure • Microscopes allow you to view things too small to be seen with the naked eye. • Using microscopes you can observe, measure, and study small structures and organisms. Field of view