Microscopy
Applied Science: BTEC Level 3 National Extended Diploma, topic 1.3.6
Magnification and Resolution
Two parameters that are important in microscopy are magnification and resolution.
Magnification
- Magnification is the process of enlarging an object in appearance.
- The image size is how big the object appears to be in a picture or drawing, which will be in milimeters (mm).
- The actual size is often given in micrometers (µm) - units must be converted so that they are the same.
Calculating magnification
- The equation for magnification is:
- Magnification = size of image ÷ size of real object
- E.g. A mitochondrion is 20 µm long. An image of the mitochondrion is measured as 20 mm long. What is the magnification?
- Magnification = 20,000 µm ÷ 20 µm = 1,000x
Resolution
- Resolution is the ability of a microscope to distinguish two adjacent structures as separate.
- The higher the resolution, the better the clarity and detail of the image.
Test yourself on Microscopy
Which of the following statements regarding resolution and magnification are true?