1.1.19

Microscopy

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Magnification and Resolution

When using microscopes, two variables matter the most: magnification and resolution.

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Magnification

  • Magnification tells us how many times larger an image seen through a microscope is compared to the real object.
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Resolution

  • Resolution is the ability to distinguish between (tell apart) two or more objects that are close together.

Magnification

The magnification of a microscope is the size of the image seen with the microscope divided by the size of the real object. It is how much bigger the object under the microscope appears.

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Equation

  • Magnification = image size ÷ actual size
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Example

  • A cell has a diameter of 0.001cm. An image of that cell seen through the microscope has a diameter of 5 cm.
  • Magnification = 5 cm ÷ 0.001 cm = x5000

Jump to other topics

1Cell Biology

2Organisation

2.1Principles of Organisation

2.2Enzymes

2.3Circulatory System

2.4Non-Communicable Diseases

2.5Plant Tissues, Organs & Systems

3Infection & Response

4Bioenergetics

5Homeostasis & Response

6Inheritance, Variation & Evolution

7Ecology

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