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Six facts about microscopy

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  • The magnification of a light microscope is found by multiplying the separate magnifications of its objective and eyepiece lenses.

  • The maximum useful magnification of a microscope depends on its resolving power.

  • The resolution of a microscope is its ability to distinguish two close structures as separate objects.

  • An electron microscope has a higher resolution than a light microscope and so it can be used at a higher magnification.

  • The resolution of an electron microscope is due to the shorter wavelength of its electron beam compared to light.

  • Staining allows cell structures to be distinguished.