question_answer

On what factors, does the (i) magnifying power and (ii) resolving power of a compound microscope depend?                  

Answer:

                (i) Magnifying power of a compound microscope, \[m=\frac{L}{{{f}_{0}}}\left( 1+\frac{D}{{{f}_{e}}} \right)\] Clearly, the magnifying power of a compound microscope depends on the focal lengths of its objective and eyepiece. (ii) R.P. of a compound microscope \[=\frac{2\mu \sin \theta }{\lambda }\] Clearly, the resolving power of a compound micro- scope depends on (a) wavelength of light used to illuminate the object, (b) refractive index of the medium between the object and the objective, and (c) the semivertical angle of the cone of light from the object to the objective.