Compound Microscope Questions

An optical microscope is a device that uses visible light and a system of lenses to form a magnified image of small objects. The object is placed on a microscope stage and is viewed through eyepieces. Optical microscopes are also known as light microscopes. They are classified into two types: simple microscopes and compound microscopes.

A simple microscope features a single lens for magnification. A compound microscope features a system of lenses to achieve a higher magnification of an object. These devices have a high resolution and use two lenses to provide a 2-dimensional image of the sample.

Parts of the compound microscope are divided into non-optical parts and optical parts. The non-optical parts include the base, pillar, arm, inclination joint, stage, body tube, drawtube, adjustment screws, automatic stop, rack and pinion. Optical parts include the diaphragm, condenser, reflector, objective lenses, and ocular lenses.

Compound microscopes are used for the study and examination of viruses and bacteria. In pathology labs, the identification of diseases becomes effortless through this device. The presence of metals can be detected with a compound microscope. Detection of human fingerprints in forensic laboratories happens through the compound microscope. Schools and colleges are used to examine chemicals in the pharmaceutical industry.

Read more: Difference between the simple microscope and compound microscope.

Important Compound Microscope Questions with Answers

1. What are the types of microscopes?

Two types of microscopes are simple microscopes and compound microscopes.

2. What is a simple microscope?

It is an optical device that uses the optical power of a single lens for magnification.

3. What are the various types of compound microscopes?

Different types of compound microscopes are:

• Biological microscopes
• Stereo microscopes
• Phase contrast microscopes
• Fluorescence microscopes
• Polarizing microscopes
• Petrographic microscopes

4. The magnifying power of the compound microscope is the product of the magnification of the objective lens and _____.

1. Eyepiece
2. Arm
3. Reflector
4. Body tube

Answer: a) Eyepiece

Explanation: The compound microscope’s magnifying power is the product of the magnification of the objective lens and the eyepiece.

5. The use of a single convex lens or groups of lenses is found in _____.

1. Telescopes
2. Fluorescent lamps
3. Magnifying glass
4. Option a) and c)

Answer: d) Option a) and c)

Explanation: Convex lenses are used in the eyepiece of telescopes and magnifying glass.

6. _____ is the metallic platform that is fitted to the lower part of the arm with a hole in the centre.

1. Base
2. Drawer tube
3. Stage
4. Automatic Stop

Answer: c) Stage

Explanation: The microscopic slides to be viewed are kept on the stage.

7. Stereo microscope provides _____.

1. One-dimensional image
2. Two-dimensional image
3. Three-dimensional image
4. None of the options

Answer: c) Three-dimensional image

8. Light can be focused by adjusting the _____.

1. Base
2. Condenser
3. Stage
4. Automatic Stop

Answer: b) Condenser

Explanation: Condenser is present below the diaphragm. By moving the condenser either up or down, the focus of light can be adjusted.

9. What magnification does the ocular lens provide?

1. 2x
2. 3x
3. 15x
4. 50x

Answer: c) 15x

Explanation: Ocular lenses provide magnification of 5X, 10X, 15X, and 20X.

10. _____ eyepieces are seen in the binocular head.

1. Two
2. Three
3. Four
4. Five

Answer: a) Two

Explanation: In the binocular head, two eyepieces are seen.

Practice Questions

1. Define a compound microscope.
2. How many eyepieces are there in a compound microscope?
3. List three uses of a compound microscope.
4. What is a microscope?
5. What are the parts of a microscope?