Summary
Highlights
Before the invention of microscopes, people had strange ideas about illness because they couldn't see microorganisms. Microscopes were invented to magnify these tiny organisms that are invisible to the naked eye, leading to a new microscopic world of discovery.
A microscope magnifies objects to create a larger image, revealing more detail. Resolution is the ability to distinguish two separate points, allowing for clearer images even at higher magnifications without blurring.
To use a microscope, place the specimen on the stage, start with the lowest objective lens (e.g., 10x), turn on the light, and adjust the focus using the knobs. Once focused, you can switch to a higher magnification objective lens for more detail, readjusting focus as needed. Care must be taken not to hit the objective lens when moving the stage.
Total magnification is calculated by multiplying the eyepiece lens magnification (usually 10x) by the objective lens magnification. Additionally, the magnification formula is: Magnification = Size of Image / Size of Real Object, as demonstrated with a red blood cell example.
The electron microscope further advanced the study of the microscopic world. It uses electron beams, offering significantly higher magnification and resolution than light microscopes, enabling scientists to observe finer structures like cell organelles and even individual atoms.