NAME: CARDINEZ, JEREMIAH FAYE S.

RATING:

GROUP NO. 2 DATE: FEBRUARY 27, 2021

Activity No. 3
THE COMPOUND MICROSCOPE

The microbial world is of obvious importance but it would remain largely uncharted without an
essential tool: the microscope. A compound microscope is an optical instrument consisting of
two convex lenses of short focal lengths which is used for observing the highly magnified
images of tiny objects. The compound microscope can magnify the image of a tiny object up to
1000. A compound microscope works on the principle that when a tiny object to be magnified is
placed just beyond the focus of its objective lens, a virtual, inverted and highly magnified image
of the object is formed at the least distance of distinct vision from the eye held close to the eye
piece.

LEARNING OBJECTIVES:

At the end of the activity, the student should be able to

1. Illustrate, identify and state the use/s of each part of the microscope.
2. provide care for the maintenance that will help keep the microscope in good
operating conditions.

MATERIALS: Microbiology book and e-book

PROCEDURES: Answer the following research questions. Write Legibly.

RESEARCH QUESTIONS:
1. Draw and label the parts of a compound microscope
2. Give the functions of the different parts of the microscope.
3. Enumerate the following rules, cautions and maintenance that will help keep the
microscope in good operating conditions.
 FUNCTIONS OF THE DIFFERENT PARTS

Eyepiece: The lens the viewer looks through to see the specimen. The eyepiece
usually contains a 10X or 15X power lens.

Diopter Adjustment: Useful as a means to change focus on one eyepiece so as to

correct for any difference in vision between your two eyes.

Arm: The arm connects the body tube to the base of the microscope.

Coarse Focus: Brings the specimen into general focus.

Fine Focus: Fine tunes the focus and increases the detail of the specimen.

On/off switch: This switch on the base of the microscope turns the illuminator off and
on.

Nosepiece: A rotating turret that houses the objective lenses. The viewer spins the
nosepiece to select different objective lenses.

Objective lenses: One of the most important parts of a compound microscope, as they
are the lenses closest to the specimen. A standard microscope has three, four, or five
objective lenses that range in power from 4X to 100X. When focusing the microscope,
be careful that the objective lens doesn’t touch the slide, as it could break the slide and
destroy the specimen.

Slide Holder: Metal clips that hold the slide in place.

Stage: The flat platform where the slide is placed.

Condenser: Gathers and focuses light from the illuminator onto the specimen being
viewed.

Iris diaphragm: Adjusts the amount of light that reaches the specimen.

Light Source (Illumination): The light source for a microscope. Older microscopes
used mirrors to reflect light from an external source up through the bottom of the stage;
however, most microscopes now use a low-voltage bulb.

Base: The base supports the microscope and it’s where illuminator is located.

RULES, CAUTIONS AND MAINTENANCE THAT WILL HELP THE MICROSCOPE IN

GOOD OPERATING CONDITIONS

Tip 1: Handle with care

Most microscope problems occur as a result of improper handling. When carrying your microscope, hold it by the
base and the metal support arm. Do not pick it up by the stage, as this can cause misalignment. When transporting it,
use a microscope bag.

Tip 2: Keep lenses clear of slides

When using your microscope and adjusting the focus you will need to lower the objective lens down as far as it will
go. However, you should never allow the lens to touch the slide you are looking at. Dirty lenses can be difficult to
clean.

Tip3: Clean after using immersion oil

If using immersion oil, always ensure the objectives are cleaned immediately after use. Objective, eyepieces and
condenser may be removed for cleaning. Use only lens paper and lens cleaner. Do not use solvents.
Tip 4: Cover when not in use
All microscopes are sold with dust covers. Always keep your microscope covered when not in use even if the
microscope is stored in a cabinet. Eye tubes also need to be kept free of dust so do not store a microscope without
the eyepieces. If the microscope eyepieces must be removed, cover the tubes with caps or a plastic bag with a
rubber band around the eye tube.

Tip 5: Look after the bulb

After using the microscope, turn off the illuminator and wait for it to cool for several minutes before putting it away. By
allowing the bulb to cool you will extend its life. When turning the microscope on and off, use the switch not the power
point. Do not switch the microscope on while using full light intensity. Never touch the bulb with your fingers as the
body oils can burn into the bulb and reduce its life. Use a tissue. Keep a store of replacement bulbs and always use
the correct bulb.

Tip 6: Store in a clean, dry place

Make sure you do not store your microscope in an area that has corrosive chemical fumes that can destroy lenses or
metal parts or beside solutions that may leak. Salt air and pervasive damp can also cause damage over time. Make
sure your cabinet is ventilated.

Tip 7: Only use special lens paper or wipes for cleaning the lenses
Microscope lenses can easily be scratched and should be treated with great care. Use an aspirator to remove dust.
Sticky residue can be removed with lens paper moistened with distilled water or lens cleaning solution and rubbed
gently using a circular motion. Never use sharp instruments or anything abrasive on the microscope lenses.

Tip 8: Keep your User's Manual and wrenches in a safe place

Each microscope should come with a user's manual and specialist wrenches as required. Always consult the User's
Manual before making any adjustments to your microscope and use the wrenches provided. Never over-tighten or
use force when performing any maintenance on your microscope, or use inappropriate tools. This can damage the
parts.

Tip 9: Perform an annual maintenance check

On an annual basis moving parts on the microscope should be cleaned and lubricated. Clean grease and dirt from
sliding surfaces using a clean cloth. Apply a very thin layer of lithium-based grease to the sliding surfaces. Do not
grease the teeth of the rack and pinion gears. Inspect the power cords and plugs for safety and stock up on a supply
of replacement bulbs.
Tip 10: Have your microscope serviced professionally
A rule of thumb for frequency of servicing is every 200 hours of use or every 3 years, whichever comes first.

References:

https://www.microscopemaster.com/parts-of-a-compound-microscope.html
https://www.microscope-shop.com.au/microscope_maintenance.html