Methods

A. Identification of Parts

Compound microscope was obtained from the cabinet and it was placed securely on
the table. The following parts on the microscope was identified , and was labeled in
Figure 1.

B. Focusing the Microscope

1. The nosepiece was turned so that the lowest power lens in straight alignment
over the stage .
2. Focusing was began with the lowest power objective lens (4x).
3. A slide of letter ‘e’ was placed on the stage and was stabilized with the clips .The
‘e’ was centered .
4. The distance between the stage and the tip of the objective lens was
decreased .
5. The diaphragm was rotated to give the maximum amount of light .
6. The distance between the stage and the object lens was increased using the
coarse adjustment knob until the object comes into view .
7. The fine adjustment knob was used to sharpen the focus.
8. Steps 1 to 7 was repeated by changing the power lens to 10x.

C. Measuring the diameter of the field of view

1. The nosepiece was turned so that the lowest power lens in straight line
alignment over the stage.
2. The light was adjusted and saw a uniformly bright field of view .
3. Transparent ruler was put on stage.
4. The field of view diameter was measured.
Results

A. Identification of Parts
Eyepiece

Body type

Nose piece

Objective lens
Arm

Mechanical stage
Stage clips
Stage
Diaphragm Mechanical stage control knob
m
condenser Coarse adjustment knob

Light source Fine adjustment knob

Base

Figure 1 : Compound microscope

Table 1 : Component of microscope and function

 Parts Function
Eyepiece Topmost series of lenses through which
an object is viewed.
B.
Body tube Conduct light rays
Arm Supports upper parts and provides
carrying handle
Nosepiece Revolving device that holds objectives.
Objective lenses These are major lenses used for image
image formation
Coarse-adjustment knob Knob used to bring object into
approximate focus
Fine - adjustment knob Knob used to bring object into final focus
Diaphragm Control the amount of illumination used
to view the object
Light source An attached lamp that directs a beam of
light up through to view the object
Base The flat surface of the microscope that
rests on the table
Stage Holds and supports microscope slides
Stage clips Hold slides in place on the stage
Mechanical stage A moveable stage used in accurate
positioning of the slide.
Mechanical stage control knob 2 knobs that are usually located below
the stage. One knob control
forward/reverse movement, and the
other controls the right/left movement.

Focusing the Microscope

Table 2 : The image of letter ‘e’ under different magnification

Magnification Letter ‘e’
4x

10x

40x

C. Measuring the diameter of the field of view

Magnification Length (mm)

4x 5
10x 2