TABLE OF CONTENTS Binocular microscope
Microscope slide
Pick up a microscope from the cabinet by placing one hand under the base and the other on the arm of the microscope. Most microscope damage is due to careless transport.
Place the microscope in front of you, unwind the power cord, and plug it in. The microscope is normally provided in its storage position; that is, with its eyepieces pointed back over the arm. This takes up less room in a cabinet, but is not the position for which it was designed to be used. If your instructor approves, slightly loosen the screw holding the binocular head and rotate the entire binocular head 180 . Carefully (and gently) tighten the screw to prevent the head from falling off.
You will notice that all parts of the microscope are now conveniently located for your use, with an uninterrupted view of the stage and substage. The focus controls are conveniently at arms length.
Note the magnification power and the numerical aperture of the lenses that are on your microscope s nosepiece. These values are stamped or painted onto the barrels of the objectives. Record the magnification power and numerical aperture of each lens in the space provided:
| Magnification (x#) | Numerical Aperture (NA) |
|---|---|
| Enter the magnification of the oculars and whether they are normal or widefield ________. | Enter the numerical aperture of the condenser ________. |
| Your maximum resolution will depend upon the highest effective numerical aperture of the... |
