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MODULE 2 How To Properly Use A Compound Microscope

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0% found this document useful (0 votes)
21 views31 pages

MODULE 2 How To Properly Use A Compound Microscope

Uploaded by

rhea.manigbas
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
Available Formats
Download as PPTX, PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
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Hello,

Class!
Lesson
For Today
How to properly
use a compound
microscope
With Ma’am Rhea C. Manigbas
A microscope can help you observe things that you
can't see with the naked eye, such as bacteria.
However, if you do not know how to focus your
microscope correctly, you will be unable to view these
objects. Getting the best focus on your microscope
requires setting it up properly, focusing on your
sample, and magnifying the sample so that you can see
it.
Procedures
1. Uncover the microscope, unwrap the cord,
and plug it in or face the mirror in an area with
enough light source.
2. Clean all glass surfaces with lens paper. Start
with the eyepiece, then do the objectives, the
substage mirror or illuminator, and end with the
stage window.
Procedures
3. Turn on the light (or adjust the mirror so that
the light shines through the stage window).
Adjust the diaphragm under the stage so that a
medium amount of light gets through. Adjust
the fine focus knob to a middle position.
Procedures
4. Place the slide on the stage, with a stage clip
holding down each side of the slide. Center the
specimen on the slide over the stage window.
5. Using the low power objective, focus with
coarse adjustment. Start with the objective as
close to the slide as possible and focus away
from the slide.
Procedures
6. Before turning to a higher power,
make sure there is something worthwhile
to look at and center the specimen in the
middle of the field.
Procedures
7. Without changing the focus adjustment,
change to the next highest objective (the
centered specimen should be in view and
should be almost in focus). Now focus with the
fine adjustment knob. Repeat Steps 6 and 7 up
to the highest power.
Procedures
8. Clean up! Return to low power objective
before taking off the slide. Clean and dry the
stage and objectives, turn off the light, and
wrap the cord neatly around the base of the
microscope. Replace the cover.
Magnification
process
The two lenses that determine the
magnification of the microscope are the
eyepiece lens and the objective lens. Each
has a number on it that signifies its
magnification.
OCULAR LENS
(eyepiece)
Your microscope will have either one (monocular) or
two (binocular) ocular lenses.

These are the lenses you will look through when


examining a specimen with the microscope. Take a
look at the side of your ocular lens and you will notice
a label of “10X”. This indicates that each ocular lens
magnifies the image by a factor of 10 or 10X.
OBJECTIVE
LENSES
Notice the set of objective lenses on the
revolving nosepiece. These lenses allow you
to change the degree of magnification. Some
of our microscopes have four objective lenses
while others have only three. The degree
of magnification for each objective lens is
indicated on its side.
OBJECTIVE
LENSES
Let’s take a look at each progressing from the
shortest to longest objective lenses, being sure
to rotate the revolving nosepiece to click each
objective lens into position above the stage
before examining it.
OBJECTIVE
LENSES
• 4X – This objective magnifies the image by a factor of
4. It is referred to as the “scanning objective” since it is
used to scan the slide to locate the specimen before
viewing it at higher magnification.
• 10X – This objective magnifies the image by a factor of
10 and is referred to as the “low power” objective.
• 40X – This objective magnifies the image by a factor of
40 and is referred to as the “high power” objective.
Total magnification
The total magnification of an image is quite simple – it
is the product of the ocular lens magnification times the
magnification of the objective lens you are using:

Magnification of Ocular x Magnification of Objective =


Total Magnification
Total magnification
For example, if the ocular lens magnifies the
image by a factor of 10 (10X), and the objective
lens magnifies the image by a factor of 50 (50X),
the total magnification of the image is 500X:

10X x 50X = 500X


Total magnification
Many students make the mistake of adding
the two magnifications, so remember that
total magnification is the product
(multiplication) of the ocular and objective
lens magnifications.
Proper handling of
microscope
Tip 1: Handle with care

Most microscope problems occur as a result of improper


handling. When carrying your microscope, hold it by the
base and the metal support arm. Do not pick it up by the
stage, as this can cause misalignment.
Tip 2: Keep lenses clear of slides

When using your microscope and adjusting the focus you will
need to lower the objective lens down as far as it will go.
However, you should never allow the lens to touch the slide
you are looking at. Dirty lenses can be difficult to clean.
Tip3: Clean after using

Always ensure the objectives are cleaned immediately


after use. Objective, eyepieces, and condenser may be
removed for cleaning. Use only lens paper and lens
cleaner. Do not use solvents.
Tip 4: Cover when not in use

All microscopes are sold with dust covers. Always keep your
microscope covered when not in use even if the microscope is stored
in a cabinet. Eye tubes also need to be kept free of dust so do not store
a microscope without the eyepieces. If the microscope eyepieces must
be removed, cover the tubes with caps or a plastic bag with a rubber
band around the eye tube.
Tip 5: Look after the bulb

After using the microscope, turn off the illuminator and wait
for it to cool for several minutes before putting it away. By
allowing the bulb to cool you will extend its life. When
turning the microscope on and off, use the switch not the
power point.
Tip 6: Store in a clean, dry place

Make sure you do not store your microscope in an area that


has corrosive chemical fumes that can destroy lenses or metal
parts or beside solutions that may leak. Salt air and pervasive
damp can also cause damage over time. Make sure your
cabinet is ventilated.
Tip 7: Only use special lens paper or wipes for cleaning the lenses

Microscope lenses can easily be scratched and should be treated


with great care. Use an aspirator to remove dust. Sticky residue can
be removed with lens paper moistened with distilled water or lens
cleaning solution and rubbed gently using a circular motion. Never
use sharp instruments or anything abrasive on the microscope lenses.
Tip 8: Keep your User's Manual and wrenches in a safe place

Each microscope should come with a user's manual and specialist


wrenches as required. Always consult the User's Manual before
making any adjustments to your microscope and use the wrenches
provided. Never over-tighten or use force when performing any
maintenance on your microscope, or use inappropriate tools. This
can damage the parts.
Tip 9: Perform an annual maintenance check

On an annual basis moving parts on the microscope should be


cleaned and lubricated. Clean grease and dirt from sliding
surfaces using a clean cloth. Do not grease the teeth of the
rack and pinion gears. Inspect the power cords and plugs for
safety and stock up on a supply of replacement bulbs.
Tip 10: Have your microscope serviced
professionally

A rule of thumb for frequency of servicing is every


200 hours of use or every 3 years, whichever comes
first.
Thank You
For Today!
See you in the next class!

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