Question

For a microscope with objective \( f_o = 1 \, \text{cm} \), eyepiece \( f_e = 10 \, \text{cm} \), and image distance \( v = 25 \, \text{cm} \), find total magnification.

Hint:

The total magnification of a microscope is the product of the magnifications of the objective and the eyepiece.

Answer 1

Using the other common convention, the objective's magnification is approximated directly as \( M_o \approx v/f_o = 25/1 = 25 \) (treating the object as essentially at the objective's focus), while the eyepiece contributes \( M_e = 1 + D/f_e = 1 + 25/10 = 3.5 \). Multiplying gives a total magnification of \( M = 25 \times 3.5 = 87.5 \). Because the object distance for the objective lens isn't stated explicitly, the exact figure depends on which standard approximation is used, but it lands in this general range.