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16 Jan 2026

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Understanding Microscopes and Magnification

Leah Strawbridge

@leahstrawbridge_kjnx

Microscopes are essential tools in science that let you see... Show more

# MICROSCOPES

Light Microscope:
- cheaper
-easy to move.
- low magnification
- low resolution

electron microscope:
- more expenscue
- hard

Microscopes and Magnification

Ever wondered how scientists can see cells and bacteria? Light microscopes are the basic type you'll use in class - they're cheaper, portable, but offer lower magnification and resolution. Think of them as your everyday magnifying glass on steroids.

Electron microscopes are the high-tech versions that can magnify objects up to 2 million times! They're expensive and bulky, but they reveal incredible detail that light microscopes simply can't show. The trade-off is always between cost and capability.

Two key terms you absolutely need to know: magnification (how much bigger something appears) and resolution (how clearly you can see separate details). Higher resolution means you can distinguish between two tiny points that are close together.

The magnification formula is straightforward: Magnification = Image size ÷ Real object size. For example, if your drawing is 10mm but the real cell is 0.002mm, your magnification is ×5000. Remember to keep your units consistent - usually convert everything to millimetres first.

Quick Tip: When converting units, remember the pattern: metres → millimetres → micrometers → nanometres. Each step involves multiplying or dividing by 1000.

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16 Jan 2026

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1 page

Understanding Microscopes and Magnification

Leah Strawbridge

@leahstrawbridge_kjnx

Microscopes are essential tools in science that let you see tiny objects invisible to the naked eye. Understanding how they work and calculating magnifications is crucial for your biology studies.

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Microscopes and Magnification

Quick Tip: When converting units, remember the pattern: metres → millimetres → micrometers → nanometres. Each step involves multiplying or dividing by 1000.