Working Principle and Parts of a Simple Microscope (with Diagrams)

Read this article to learn about the working principle and parts of a simple microscope with diagrams:!

Working Principle:

A simple microscope is used to obtain small magnifications. It is usually used for study of microscopic algae, fungi and biological specimen.

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Light from a light source (mirror) passes through a thin transparent object (Figure 4.2). A biconvex lens magnifies the size of the object to get an enlarged virtual image. The image is viewed from the other side.

Parts of a Simple Microscope:

The parts of a simple microscope are of two categories as follows:

(i) Mechanical parts

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(ii) Optical parts

(i) Mechanical parts:

These parts support the optical parts and help in their adjustment for focusing the object. They include the following components (Figure 4.3).

1. Metal Stand:

It has a heavy base plate and a vertical rod fitted to it, which provide support and stability to other parts of the microscope.

2. Stage:

It is a rectangular metal plate fitted to the vertical rod. It has a central hole for light to pass from below. Slide with specimen to be observed is kept on the stage, in such a way that, the specimen remains just on the central hole. Some microscopes have a pair of slanting wings projecting from the both the sides of the stage. They provide support to hand for manipulating the object.

(ii) Optical parts:

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These parts are involved in passing the light through the object (specimen) and magnifying its size.

The components of the optical parts are as follows:

1. Mirror:

A Plano-convex mirror is fitted below the stage to the vertical rod by means of a frame. It focuses the surrounding light on the object to be observed.

2. Lens:

A biconvex lens is fitted above the stage, to the vertical rod, by means of a frame. It magnifies the size of the object and the enlarged virtual image formed is observed by keeping the eye above it. For proper focusing, the lens can be moved up and down by the frame.