What is a Microscope?
microscope is an optical instrument that allows you to see objects
magnified. Some microscopes are so strong that you can see things
that the human eye can't see alone like cells, ash, and snowflakes.
A simple microscope is one that uses only one lens to magnify, such
as a magnifying glass. A compound microscope uses two or more
lenses to magnify the specimen. The microscope you have at school
probably uses a combination of lenses to magnify, but for their
research some scientists have microscopes that use electronics to
magnify. They are called electron microscopes. There are many
other types of microscopes including ones that use x-rays, gases,
and lasers. Microscopes allow us to see what makes people sick and
how organisms work. We can study the make up of rocks, and even
fluids. For example, we can see exactly what is in a glass of
Parts of a
Eyepiece is the top part of the microscope; it is the lens you look
through to see your specimen.
Arm: Itís the large metal band attaching the base to the lens and
eyepiece. When you carry a microscope, use one hand to hold the
Arm, and the place the other under the base
3) Fine Adjustment Knob:
Fine Adjustment Knob: Itís the smaller round knob on the side of
the microscope used to fine-tune the focus of your specimen after
using the coarse adjustment knob.
4) Coarse Adjustment
Coarse Adjustment Knob: Of the two knobs on the side of a
microscope, it is the largest. It is used to focus on the
specimen; it may move either the stage or the upper part of the
microscope (in a relative up and down motion). Always focus with
the coarse knob first.
5) Objective Lenses
Objective lenses: Most microscopes have 2, 3, or more lenses that
magnify at different powers. Always start with the lowest power
and work your way up to the strongest when examining a specimen.
The shortest lens is usually the lowest power.
Stage: Itís where the sample or specimen is placed for
7) Iris Diaphragm:
Iris Diaphragm: Itís what allows you to control the amount of light
on the specimen that comes through the stage. (Through the
8) Light Source:
Light Source: It can be a bulb or a mirror, and is usually found
near the base of the microscope shining up through the stage.
Aperture: Itís the hole in the stage that allows light through for
better viewing of the specimen.