
Describe the compound microscope based on the following headings: 1) Labelled ray diagram of image formation. 2) Magnifying power when final image is formed at least distance of distinct vision
Answer
493.2k+ views
Hint: In this question we have been asked to draw a labelled ray diagram of image formation of a compound microscope. We have also been asked to calculate the magnifying power when the final image is formed at least distance of distinct vision. Therefore, we shall first draw a labelled ray diagram. We shall use the magnification formula and the lens formula to calculate the magnifying power.
Formula Used:
Complete answer:
The compound microscope consists of two lenses as shown in the figure below. The first lens forms an inverted image as shown. The final image is observed through the ocular lens also known as eye piece. The following ray diagram shows the formation of an image by a compound microscope.
The magnifying power of a microscope is the ratio of angle subtended by image to the angle subtended by image placed at least distance of distinct vision.
Therefore, from above diagram,
…………….. (1)
……………… (2)
Where, D is the least distance of distinct vision i.e. distance between point O and Point B
Now, angle made by image PQ can be given by,
Let, be the distance between image and eyes piece
Therefore,
……………. (3)
Now, from (1), (2) and (3)
We get,
From the diagram above we can say that,
Therefore,
OB and OB’ is the distance of object and image from point O
Therefore,
…………………. (4)
On solving,
Now, from lens formula we know,
The lens formula for given microscope can be written by,
We know that is the distance D
Therefore,
Rearranging the terms
We get,
On solving,
…………….. (5)
Now, from (4) and (5)
We get,
Therefore, the magnification power of compound microscope is given by, .
Note:
The optical instrument that uses two lenses to obtain higher magnification of an image is known as compound microscope. A compound microscope provides two dimensional images. Magnification is the property by which the image size is enlarged. The compound microscopes are therefore used to view specimens as small as blood cells. The name compound microscope comes from the lens system of the microscope, that consists of a primary objective lens compounded with eyepiece or ocular lens.
Formula Used:
Complete answer:
The compound microscope consists of two lenses as shown in the figure below. The first lens forms an inverted image as shown. The final image is observed through the ocular lens also known as eye piece. The following ray diagram shows the formation of an image by a compound microscope.

The magnifying power of a microscope is the ratio of angle subtended by image to the angle subtended by image placed at least distance of distinct vision.
Therefore, from above diagram,
Where, D is the least distance of distinct vision i.e. distance between point O and Point B
Now, angle made by image PQ can be given by,
Let,
Therefore,
Now, from (1), (2) and (3)
We get,
From the diagram above we can say that,
Therefore,
OB and OB’ is the distance of object and image from point O
Therefore,
On solving,
Now, from lens formula we know,
The lens formula for given microscope can be written by,
We know that
Therefore,
Rearranging the terms
We get,
On solving,
Now, from (4) and (5)
We get,
Therefore, the magnification power of compound microscope is given by,
Note:
The optical instrument that uses two lenses to obtain higher magnification of an image is known as compound microscope. A compound microscope provides two dimensional images. Magnification is the property by which the image size is enlarged. The compound microscopes are therefore used to view specimens as small as blood cells. The name compound microscope comes from the lens system of the microscope, that consists of a primary objective lens compounded with eyepiece or ocular lens.
Latest Vedantu courses for you
Grade 10 | MAHARASHTRABOARD | SCHOOL | English
Vedantu 10 Maharashtra Pro Lite (2025-26)
School Full course for MAHARASHTRABOARD students
₹33,300 per year
Recently Updated Pages
Master Class 12 Business Studies: Engaging Questions & Answers for Success

Master Class 12 Economics: Engaging Questions & Answers for Success

Master Class 12 Maths: Engaging Questions & Answers for Success

Master Class 12 Biology: Engaging Questions & Answers for Success

Master Class 12 Physics: Engaging Questions & Answers for Success

Master Class 12 English: Engaging Questions & Answers for Success

Trending doubts
A deep narrow valley with steep sides formed as a result class 12 biology CBSE

a Tabulate the differences in the characteristics of class 12 chemistry CBSE

Why is the cell called the structural and functional class 12 biology CBSE

Which are the Top 10 Largest Countries of the World?

Differentiate between homogeneous and heterogeneous class 12 chemistry CBSE

Derive an expression for electric potential at point class 12 physics CBSE
