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Getting Acquainted with Your Microscope
Learning About Your Microscope
1. Eyepiece – The eyepiece is where you look into the microscope. It is a small
magnifying lens that collects the image projected up by the three objective
lenses. Your microscope comes with two different eyepieces. The 10X eyepiece
makes an image look 10 times larger. The 30X eyepiece makes an image look 30
times larger.
2. Viewer Screen – The observed image can be projected onto this screen so that
more than one person at a time can look at it.
3. Viewer Head – The viewer head contains a mirror that will divert the viewed
image for projection.
4. Focusing Knob – Turn these knobs very slowly to bring the image of your
sample into focus so you can see clearly.
5. Body Tube – This is the main tube of the microscope. The image from the
sample travels up this tube to the eyepiece.
6. Rotating Turret – The turret holds the three objective lenses. Turn the turret so
that each lens clicks into position.
7. Objective Lenses – The objective lenses are the lenses closest to the objects
you are examining. Your microscope has three objective lenses, each with a
different magnifying power. The shortest lens has the lowest magnifying power
(5X). The longest lens has the highest magnifying power (30X). The third lens
has a magnifying power between the two (15X). The objective lenses work with
the eyepieces to give your microscope a range of magnifications. With the 10X
eyepiece in place, your microscope makes samples look 50 times (50X), 150
times (150X), and 300 times (300X) larger than they appear to your eyes. With
the 30X eyepiece in place, your microscope makes samples look 150 times
(150X), 450 times (450X), and 900 times (900X) larger than you can see them
with your own eyes.
8. Arm – This curved piece is the “backbone” of the microscope and holds
everything together. You can tilt the arm backward to get a more comfortable
viewing position.
9. Stage – The stage is the flat platform where your slides are held for studying.
10. Clips – The two clips on the stage hold your slide in position so that it doesn’t
move around while you are looking at it.
11. Color Filter Unit – Attached to the underside of the stage, the color filters
enhance slide contrast and detail. Change the filters by turning the dial.
12. Mirror – The mirror aims light from a bright source, like a sunlit window or a
table lamp, up through the slide you are studying so you can see the specimen
more clearly.
13. Illuminator Lamp – When there is not enough light available for the mirror
to do its job, turn the mirror over and the bright LED electric illuminator will light
your sample.
14. Base - The bottom of the base has a rubber cover to help prevent your
microscope from slipping on a smooth tabletop.
1. Eyepiece
4. Focusing Knob
5. Body Tube
6. Rotating Turret
7. Objective Lenses
8. Arm
9. Stage
10. Clips
12. Mirror
11. Color Filter Unit
13. LED Illuminator
Lamp
14. Base
2. Viewer Screen
3. Viewer Head