Hobbies And Interests
What Is a Compound Microscope?
A compound microscope is an image magnification tool used for various scientific analyses. The compound moniker describes the multiple magnifying objective lenses at the bottom of the device. These lenses usually come in strengths of 4x, 10x, 40x or 100x (where x represents the multiplication above normal). In combination with the eyepiece, the objective lenses allow practical examination of subjects at magnification factors as low as 40x to as high as 2,000x. While a 10x eyepiece and 100x objective lens should theoretically allow observation of items as much as 100,000x, the limitations of the human eye limit the range to approximately 2,000x.
Low Power Viewing Projects
Even at magnifications as low as 40x, the compound microscope provides considerable potential for exploration. One such example is in the study of how living things are comprised of cells. Several subjects demonstrate cellular structures with minimal preparations, such as thinly sliced cork, blades of grass or stained slices of potato. Another informative projects is studying the structure of common processes materials, such as paper, cloth or even electronic circuits. Yet another project is to study the physiology of small creatures, such as water fleas, brine shrimp or ants.
Medium Power Viewing Projects
Below 400x, there are a number of observations that make interesting projects for the compound microscope. One example is studying the lifeforms present in pond water. These studies can be as simple as performing counts of a specific species in a given area, studying diversity across various collection points or studying the effect of various pollutants on the life forms in such water. At medium magnification, you can make meaningful comparative studies of hair from humans and other mammals, as well as comparing the structures of the wings of various insects.
High Power Viewing Projects
Above 400x, subjects generally require special preparations, such as dyes and immobilizing mixtures, making them trickier than other projects. However, high power viewing projects can be some of the most rewarding endeavors. You can study the inner workings of plant cells to study structures, such as chloroplasts, the nucleus and cell walls. You can analyze blood and study the various cells that make it up, as well as foreign bodies within it. You can also study the microbes that live in pond water, the bacterium in yogurt and the microscopic life that thrives on dirty surfaces.