To calculate the total magnification of a microscope, you need to multiply the magnification of the objective lens by the magnification of the eyepiece lens. Here’s how you can do it:
- Identify the Magnification of the Objective Lens: The objective lens is the lens closest to the specimen. It usually has a magnification value engraved on it, such as 4x, 10x, 40x, or 100x.
- Identify the Magnification of the Eyepiece Lens: The eyepiece lens, also known as the ocular lens, is the lens you look through. It typically has a magnification of 10x.
- Multiply the Two Magnifications: Multiply the magnification of the objective lens by the magnification of the eyepiece lens to get the total magnification. For example, if the objective lens is 40x and the eyepiece lens is 10x, the total magnification would be 40 x 10 = 400x.
This calculation gives you the total magnification, which is the degree to which the specimen is enlarged when viewed through the microscope.