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Multiple Choice
Which objective lens is typically used to locate the specimen and achieve initial focus on a microscope?
A
40x (high power objective)
B
10x (low power objective)
C
100x (oil immersion objective)
D
4x (scanning objective)
Verified step by step guidance
1
Understand the purpose of each objective lens on a microscope. The 4x lens is known as the scanning objective, the 10x lens is the low power objective, the 40x lens is the high power objective, and the 100x lens is the oil immersion objective.
Recognize that the scanning objective lens (4x) is typically used to locate the specimen because it provides the widest field of view, making it easier to find the area of interest on the slide.
Note that the scanning objective lens also has the lowest magnification, which helps in achieving an initial focus without the risk of damaging the slide or the specimen.
Once the specimen is located and roughly focused using the 4x lens, you can switch to higher magnification lenses (10x, 40x, or 100x) for more detailed observation.
Remember that using the scanning objective first is a standard practice in microscopy to ensure that the specimen is properly centered and focused before increasing magnification.