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Introduction To The Light Microscope

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23 views3 pages

Introduction To The Light Microscope

Uploaded by

darionido
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
Available Formats
Download as PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
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Name: __________________________________ Date Completed: _____________________________

Class: ____________ Lab Minutes: _______________ Teacher: _______________________________

Introduction to the Microscope Lab Activity


Introduction
"Micro" refers to tiny, "scope" refers to view or look at. Microscopes are tools used to enlarge images
of small objects so as they can be studied. The compound light microscope is an instrument containing
two lenses, which magnifies, and a variety of knobs to resolve (focus) the picture. Because it uses more
than one lens, it is sometimes called the compound microscope in addition to being referred to as being a
light microscope. In this lab, we will learn about the proper use and handling of the microscope.

Instructional Objectives
• Demonstrate the proper procedures used in correctly using the compound light microscope.
• Prepare and use a wet mount.
• Determine the total magnification of the microscope.
• Explain how to properly handle the microscope.
• Explain the proper procedure for focusing under low and high power using the compound light
microscope.

Materials
• Compound microscope
• Glass slides
• Prepared Slide
• Cover slips
• Eye dropper
• Beaker of water
• The letter "e" cut from newsprint
• Scissor

Procedure
Part I. Practice Using the Microscope

1. Collect a microscope and bring it to your workstation.

2. Before you use a microscope, you should clean the objective lenses and the lens in the eyepiece.

3. Look at the microscope from the side. The low-power objective should be about 3 cm from the stage.
Rotate the nosepiece until the low-power objective clicks into position. Find the coarse adjustment knob and
practice using it to raise and lower the nosepiece.
5. Plug in the cord attached to the light source. Look through the eyepiece. Practice using the diaphragm to
adjust the amount of light entering the microscope. Record the changes in light intensity as you do so.

6. Center a prepared slide over the opening in the stage. Hold the slide by its edges to avoid leaving
fingerprints that could distort the image. Use the stage clips to hold the slide in place. While you look from
the side, use the coarse adjustment to move the objective as close to the stage as possible without touching
the stage.

7. Use both eyes to look through the eyepiece. Turn the coarse adjustment to move the low-power objective
away from the stage until the object comes into focus.

8. Use the fine adjustment to bring the object into sharp focus. You may need to adjust the diaphragm to see
the object clearly. Draw what you can see under low power.

9. While you look from the side, rotate the high-power objective into position. Look through the eyepiece
and use the fine adjustment to bring the object into focus. Draw what you can see under high power.

10. Move the low-power objective back into position. Remove the slide from the stage

Part II. Preparing a wet mount of the letter "e”.

1. With your scissors cut out the letter "e" from the newspaper.
2. Place it on the glass slide so as to look like (e).
3. Cover it with a clean cover slip. See the figure below.

4. Using your eyedropper, place a drop of water on the edge of the cover slip where it touches the
glass slide. The water should be sucked under the slide if done properly.

Technique for Adding a Stain when making a Wet Mount

5. Turn on the microscope and place the slide on the stage; making sure the "e" is facing the normal
reading position (see the figure above). Using the course focus and low power, move the body
tube down until the "e" can be seen clearly. Draw what you see in the space below.
6. Remove the slide and clean it up. Turn off the microscope and wind up the wire so it resembles
its original position. Place the low power objective in place and lower the body tube. Cover the
scope with the dust cover. Place the scope back in its original space in the cabinet.

Conclusion Questions:
1. State TWO procedures that should be used to properly handle a light microscope.

2. Explain why the light microscope is also called the compound microscope.

3. Images observed under the light microscope are reversed and inverted. Explain what this means.

4. Explain why the specimen must be centered in the field of view on low power before going to high
power.

5. A microscope has a 20 X ocular (eyepiece) and two objectives of 10 X and 43 X respectively.

a) Calculate the low power magnification of this microscope. Show your formula and all work.

b) Calculate the high power magnification of this microscope. Show your formula and all work.

6. In three steps using complete sentences, describe how to make a proper wet mount of the letter e.

7. Describe the changes in the field of view and the amount of available light when going from low to
high power using the compound microscope.

8. Explain what the microscope user may have to do to combat the problems incurred in question # 7.

9. How does the procedure for using the microscope differ under high power as opposed to low power?

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