Microscope Lab: Data Sheet

Part I.

1. Under low power, what is the total magnification for your microscope? What is it under high power? Show your work.

2. When you turn the coarse adjustment knob, what happens to the stage?

3. How does the letter “e” appear under the microscope compared to its position on the stage?

4. When you move the slide from left to right, how does it appear to move under the microscope?

5. When you move the slide towards you, how does the letter “e” appear to move under the microscope?

6. As you look through the eyepiece, slowly adjust the diaphragm. What happens to the amount of light as you adjust the diaphragm?

7. Draw the letter “e” under low power.8. Draw the letter “e” under high power.

9. What happens to the size of the letter “e” as you go from low to high power?

Part II.

10. Which color thread is in focus first? How do the other colors appear?

11. Move the fine adjustment knob until one of the other colors comes into focus. What happened to the thread that was originally in focus?

Part III.

Diameter of Field of View

ObjectivesMillimetersMicrometers

12. Low power (est.)

13. High power (est.)

14. Area of field of view

Low power:High power:

15. Which objective provides the larger field of view?

16. Why are micrometers used for microscopic measurements?

17. Calculated diameter of high power =

18. How does the estimated value for the high power field of view in #13 compare to the calculated value in #17?

19. What is the estimated height of the letter “e” in millimeters? In micrometers?

Part IV.

10 currency features (list and describe):

Analysis and Conclusions

1. Make a diagram of a letter “n” as you would expect to see it under low power. Assume it is placed on the stage in the upright position.

2. Is it easier to locate objects under low or high power? Explain.

3. Why is the field of view brighter under low power? (Think about what happens to the amount of light that passes through as you go from low to high power.)

4. Why is it important to know the diameter of your field of view?

5. Why is it necessary to be able to focus at different depths? (Think about what you did in part II).

  1. If the magnification of the eyepiece is 10X, and the magnification of the objective lens is 10X, what would be the total magnification?
  1. If a microorganism were swimming from right to left across your field of view under the microscope, which way would you move the microscope slide to keep it in view? Why?