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Multiple Choice
What is the purpose of the immersion oil used with the 100x objective on a microscope?
A
To protect the lens from scratches
B
To provide a cooling effect to the lens
C
To magnify the specimen further
D
To increase the numerical aperture and improve resolution
Verified step by step guidance
1
Understand the concept of numerical aperture (NA): Numerical aperture is a dimensionless number that characterizes the range of angles over which the system can accept or emit light. It is crucial for determining the resolving power of a microscope.
Recognize the role of immersion oil: Immersion oil is used to bridge the gap between the microscope slide and the objective lens. It has a refractive index similar to glass, which helps in minimizing light refraction.
Identify the effect of immersion oil on light: By using immersion oil, more light is directed into the objective lens, which increases the numerical aperture. This is because the oil reduces the refraction of light as it passes from the glass slide to the lens.
Connect numerical aperture to resolution: A higher numerical aperture allows the microscope to resolve finer details, improving the resolution of the image. This means that the microscope can distinguish between two points that are close together more effectively.
Conclude the purpose of immersion oil: The primary purpose of using immersion oil with the 100x objective is to increase the numerical aperture, thereby enhancing the resolution and clarity of the image observed under the microscope.