Question

Differentiation capacity of compound microscope is

• A. 0.275$\mu$m
• B. 2.75$\mu$m
• C. 27.5$\mu$m
• D. None of the above

Answer 1

Answer: (A)

0.275$\mu$m

Resolving power is the ability to distinguish two close objects as distinct. It is calculated by the formula 0.61 $\lambda$/ numerical aperture, where lambda is the wavelength of light and the numerical aperture is the light collecting ability of the lens. Actually, after calculations, the value comes out to be 0.5 $\lambda$ or one-half the wavelength of illuminating light. The average wavelength of light used in microscopes is 500-600 nm. It gives a maximum resolution of 250-300 nm or 0.25 micrometer to 0.3 micrometers.

So, the correct answer is option A.