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How to Explain the Difference in Magnifying Glasses

A magnifying glass gives up close views of small and often unidentifiable objects. The lens on the device magnifies the object under the lens. The amount magnification depends on the intensity of the lens power. Magnifying glasses for reading, inspection of minerals, or underwater use are all available.

Instructions

- 1
  Read the lens magnification power to understand or explain the power of the optic lens. For example, a magnifying glass with a rating of x4 means the object under the lens will appear four times the actual size.
- 2
  Hold the glass and look for any identifying explanations. For example, many magnifying glasses for text use may read "Text" or give indicators of how far to hold the lens from the text to be read. Use the indicators to further determine the purpose of the glass. An example is if the glass says to hold the lens 4 inches from the text to read at 2x means that when the lens is held according to the prescribed distance, the text appears two times the printed size.
- 3
  Magnifying glasses in a self-contained hard shell, like a pocket knife, are called loupes. Push the lenses out of the shell to use. Loupes are frequently used to identify mineral content in rocks or for fine gem and jewel work.
- 4
  Hold magnifying triangles or squares and place them directly onto book text or fine print on papers or magazines. These are specialized reading magnifying glasses.

Nature