2.5 - Evaluate the interplay between wavelength, numerical aperture, and resolving power in compound microscopes.
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Practice Questions
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What happens to resolution as wavelength decreases?
💡 Hint: Think of how sharper images might look.
Define numerical aperture.
💡 Hint: It has to do with angles and light.
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Interactive Quizzes
Quick quizzes to reinforce your learning
What effect does decreasing wavelength have on the resolving power of a microscope?
💡 Hint: Think about sharpness of images.
True or False: Higher numerical aperture results in poorer resolution.
💡 Hint: Consider how much light can enter.
1 more question available
Challenge Problems
Push your limits with advanced challenges
A microscope operates under a wavelength of 400 nm with an NA of 1.6. Calculate the resolving power and discuss its implications for viewing plant cells.
💡 Hint: Use the formula and think about the typical size of plant cell structures.
You have two microscopes: one with a wavelength of 520 nm and an NA of 0.9; the other with 700 nm and an NA of 1.2. Determine which microscope has better resolving power and explain why.
💡 Hint: Don’t forget to use the formula for both and compare the results!
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