Microbiology Lab: exercise 3-1

on a given microscope, the numerical apertures of the condenser and low power objective lenses are 1.25 and .25. You are supplied with a filter that selects a wavelength of 520 nm

520/(1.25+.25) =345.7

equation for limit of resolution

D = wavelength/ NA c + NA o

What does the Colored Thread slide demonstrate about specimens you will be observing later in this class?

Even though they are very small they still have depth

If the number ends up being 345, will you be able to distinguish 2 points that are 300 nm apart?

No, it will be one --> blurred

If the number ends up being 300, will you be able to distinguish 2 points that are 345 nm apart?

Yes, it will be 2 points

why should closing the iris diaphragm improve your ability to determine thread color?

closing the iris diaphragm closes peripheral light

formula for limit of resolution for the oil lens

resolution = wavelength / (2 x numerical aperture)

Why aren't the magnifications of both ocular lenses of a binocular microscope use to calculate total magnification?

the image can only be able to go through one ocular to reach both eyes

assuming that all other variables remain constant, explain why light of shorter wavelengths will produce a clearer image than light of longer wavelength

the shorter the wavelength, the easier it is to penetrate between smaller areas

why is wavelength the main limiting factor on limit of resolution in light microscopy?

the shorter the wavelength, the more detail it will have