Microscope Magnification: Compound vs Stereomicroscope

Which of the two microscopes has the highest possible magnification?

a) Compound microscope

b) Stereomicroscope

c) They have the same magnification

d) None of the above

Answer:

The compound microscope has the highest possible magnification compared to a stereomicroscope, as it uses multiple lenses to magnify small samples extensively, typically up to 1,000 to 2,000 times.

Microscopes are essential tools in various fields of science, allowing us to observe and study objects at a tiny scale. Among the different types of microscopes available, compound microscopes and stereomicroscopes are commonly used for different purposes.

The microscope with the highest possible magnification is a compound microscope. A compound microscope uses multiple lenses to achieve higher magnification and is typically used in laboratory settings for viewing small samples like cells. They can magnify objects up to approximately 1,000 to 2,000 times. In contrast, a stereomicroscope, also known as a dissecting microscope, has a lower magnification because it's used for larger specimens and can provide a three-dimensional view, making it unsuitable for the highest magnifications achieved by compound microscopes.

The specific comparison can be found in FIGURE 3.2 where it states that most light microscopes used in college biology labs (which are compound microscopes) can magnify cells up to approximately 400 times. Dissecting microscopes, on the other hand, have a lower magnification than light microscopes and are used to examine larger objects. It is implied here that the magnification achieved by a compound microscope is greater than that of a stereomicroscope.