Maximum Magnification of Microscope

In summary, the maximum magnification of a compound microscope with an objective lens of focal length 0.70 cm and an eyepiece lens of focal length 5.0 cm, mounted 18 cm apart, is 130. The formula for overall angular magnification is M=(25/f_e)(l-f_e)/d_o, where d_o is the distance between the lenses. The smaller the distance between the lenses, the larger the magnification, with no maximum value unless there is a minimum distance for the object to be placed.
  • #1
JSGandora
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Homework Statement


You are building a compound microscope with an objective lens of focal length 0.70 cm and an eyepiece lens of focal length 5.0 cm. You mount the lenses 18 cm apart. What is the maximum magnification of your microscope?


Homework Equations


[itex]M=\left(\frac{25}{f_e}\right)\left(\frac{l-f_e}{d_o}\right)[/itex]

The Attempt at a Solution


I tried using the above formula for overall angular magnification and got $\frac{65}{d_o}$ and so the magnification depends on $d_o$, and the smaller $d_o$ gets the larger the magnification. However it looks like the largest magnification is [itex]\infty[/itex], but the answer is 130. How do you do this problem?
 
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  • #2
Does anybody know how to approach this problem?
 
  • #3
I feel like there is no maximum magnification unless there is a minimum distance the object can be placed to the objective lens.
 

Related to Maximum Magnification of Microscope

1. What is the maximum magnification of a microscope?

The maximum magnification of a microscope can vary depending on the type and quality of the microscope. However, most light microscopes have a maximum magnification of around 1000x, while electron microscopes can reach magnifications of over 1 million times.

2. What affects the maximum magnification of a microscope?

The maximum magnification of a microscope is affected by several factors, including the type of lens used, the quality of the lens, and the clarity of the sample being viewed. Additionally, the resolution of the microscope's imaging system can also impact the maximum magnification.

3. Can you see individual cells with the maximum magnification of a microscope?

In most cases, the maximum magnification of a light microscope is not enough to see individual cells. The average human cell is about 10 micrometers in size, which would require a magnification of at least 1000x to see clearly. Electron microscopes, on the other hand, can magnify cells to a level where individual structures within the cell can be seen.

4. Is there a limit to the maximum magnification of a microscope?

There is a theoretical limit to the maximum magnification of a microscope, known as the diffraction limit. This limit is based on the wavelength of light and the numerical aperture of the lens being used. However, with advanced techniques such as super-resolution microscopy, this limit can be surpassed.

5. How can I increase the maximum magnification of my microscope?

To increase the maximum magnification of a microscope, you can use higher quality lenses, improve the resolution of the imaging system, and use techniques such as oil immersion to reduce the diffraction limit. Additionally, using advanced microscopy techniques such as confocal or super-resolution microscopy can also increase the maximum magnification capabilities.

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