microscope
Definition
A microscope is an instrument that uses lenses to magnify the image of a small object. This allows us to see objects that are too small to be seen with the naked eye.
The most common type of microscope is the optical microscope. Optical microscopes use lenses to magnify the image of an object. The amount of magnification that an optical microscope can provide depends on the type of lenses that it uses.
Another type of microscope is the electron microscope. Electron microscopes use beams of electrons to magnify the image of an object. Electron microscopes can magnify objects much more than optical microscopes. However, they are also much more expensive and require a vacuum to operate.
Microscopes are used in a variety of fields, including science, medicine, and engineering. They are used to study cells, tissues, and even individual atoms.
How can the word be used?
The doctor used a microscope to diagnose the infection.
Different forms of the word
Noun: An instrument that uses lenses to magnify very small objects.
Adjective: Relating to microscopes.
Verb: To examine with a microscope.
Etymology
The word "microscope" comes from the Greek words "mikros" (small) and "skopein" (to look at). The word "microscope" was first used in the 17th century by the English scientist Robert Hooke to describe an instrument that he invented that could magnify objects up to 30 times their actual size.
Question
What is a microscope used for?
AQA Science Exam Question and Answer
Question:
Describe the functioning of a compound microscope and explain how it enables scientists to observe and study microscopic organisms and structures.
Answer:
A compound microscope is an essential tool in the field of microscopy, allowing scientists to magnify and observe tiny objects, such as cells and microorganisms, in intricate detail. It operates based on the principles of optics and magnification.
The compound microscope consists of two sets of lenses: the objective lens and the eyepiece lens. The objective lens, positioned close to the specimen, produces a magnified real image. This image is then further magnified by the eyepiece lens, which is positioned near the observer's eye. The combined effect of these lenses results in a highly magnified virtual image of the specimen.
To visualise a specimen, it is placed on a glass slide and illuminated using a light source located beneath the stage. The light passes through the specimen, and the lenses magnify the image, making it visible to the observer. The microscope's fine and coarse adjustment knobs allow precise focusing of the image.
This instrument enables scientists to study intricate structures, like cell organelles, bacteria, and tissue sections, which are otherwise invisible to the naked eye. The magnification and clarity provided by the microscope aid in various scientific disciplines, from biology to medicine, by facilitating detailed exploration of the micro-world. In essence, the compound microscope revolutionises our understanding of the smallest components of life and opens doors to new discoveries.