Q&A for How to Use a Microscope

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How do I view through a microscope with both eyes open?

Bess Ruff, MA
Environmental Scientist
Bess Ruff is a Geography PhD student at Florida State University. She received her MA in Environmental Science and Management from the University of California, Santa Barbara in 2016. She has conducted survey work for marine spatial planning projects in the Caribbean and provided research support as a graduate fellow for the Sustainable Fisheries Group.

Bess Ruff, MA

Environmental Scientist

Expert Answer

This requires a binocular eyepiece set up on your microscope. Binocular eyepieces have an eyepiece for each of your eyes.

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Question

Why do I need a light source?

Joseph_85

Top Answerer

If there's no light source, the image is too dim to be useful.

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Question

How do I decide on exactly the right magnification?

Community Answer

Just experiment with the magnification and focus levels. Fiddle with them a bit until you can see clearly.

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Question

What is the function of the fine adjustment knob?

Rahbto

Community Answer

It has a hole in it that allows light through; the specimen/slide is placed on the stage for viewing.

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Question

Where do I never touch on the microscope? Is it the slides?

Community Answer

Yes, it is the little clear slides that you usually put on top of whatever you are studying. Your fingerprints might smudge the clear glass-like slide, causing whatever you are studying to look a different or certain way.

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Question

When do I have to adjust the light source?

Community Answer

You usually won't have to adjust the light source itself; that's what the diaphragm is for. Partially closing the diaphragm limits the amount of light being let through, which can be really useful for faintly colored objects. My best advice is to use the microscope and find out; try adjusting the diaphragm to see which gives you the best view.

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Question

How do I use a microscope if I only have the eyepiece?

Community Answer

Look into it with one eye instead of both eyes. If you want to look with both eyes, then get a microscope with two eyepieces.

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Question

What is the function of coarse focus knob?

Donagan

Top Answerer

It quickly moves the lenses together or apart until a near-focus is achieved. After that, the fine-focus knob can be used to finish the process. The coarse-focus knob simply speeds up the job.

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Question

Do we have to clean the eyepiece?

Donagan

Top Answerer

That would be a good idea. All of the lenses should be carefully cleaned every now and then.

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