Microscopy Flashcards
To understand microscopy.
What two variables are most important when talking about microscopy?
Magnification and resolution.
What is magnification?
How much larger an image appears on a microscope compared to its size in real life.
What is resolution?
The ability to distinguish between two or more objects that are close together.
What is the equation for magnification?
Magnification = image size ÷ actual size.
What are the two main types of microscope?
Light and electron.
What is a light microscope?
It passes light through a specimen and magnifies it using lenses. They allowed bacteria to be seen for the first time and plant and animal cells could be distinguished.
What is an electron microscope?
Electrons are passed through the specimen instead of light. Magnifications of ×500,000. First used in 1933. They help see sub cellular structures clearly.
