Question

Explain how to use a light microscope to view a specimen at low and high powers.

Accepted Answer

Using light microscope at lower powerUse coarse focus knob to give a maximum distance between stage and LP objectivePlace a slide on the stage, as centrally over hole as possibleSwitch power on, adjust brightnessUse coarse focus to move objective to as close to the slide as possible without smashing itNow its safe to look thru eyepiece lensAdjust illumimnation if needed, use coarse focus to slowly increase distance as you look thruUse fine focus once you an see something to sharpen imageMove stage and/or slide around if neededChanging to high power lensMake sure there is something to see at center of your FOV - higher power lens covers smaller area of slideAdjust brightness if neededLook from side and move stage away from objective lens using coarse focusSwing higher power objective into placeRepeat as if using lower powerWork your way up through objective lenses from lowest to highest magn so you can see specimen

Power Focus Objective Coarse Stage Slide Lens Adjust