Question

State the factors on which the resolving power of a microscope depends. How can it be increased?

Answer 1

Hint:The above problem can be resolved using the concept and applications of the microscope and the fundamentals involved in the mathematical relation for the resolving power. The mathematical formula for the resolving power includes the direct relation with the wavelength of light, taken for the analysis and the numerical aperture of the lens used in the microscope. We can increase or decrease the value of resolving power by changing any one of these variables or by changing both the variables.

Complete answer:
As we know, the resolving power of any device that can generate images is defined as its capability to distinguish even the smallest detail of the object while capturing or observing it in the frame. The mathematical expression for the resolving power of the microscope is given as,
\[RP = \dfrac{{0.61 \times \lambda }}{{NA}}\]…………………………………………(1)
Here, RP denotes the resolving power, \[\lambda \] is the wavelength of incident light and NA denotes the Numerical aperture.
From the equation 1, we can see that the resolving power of microscope depends on the two factors namely,
1. The wavelength \[\left( \lambda \right)\]
2. The Numerical Aperture (NA)
Moreover it can be inferred that, in order to increase the resolving power of the microscope, one needs to deal with the light rays of longer wavelength and small value of numerical aperture.

Therefore, the resolving power can be increased by utilising the longer wavelength light ray and by decreasing the value of numerical aperture.

Note:To resolve the given problem, one must be clear regarding the concept and application of the microscope. The microscope is a special device that is used to observe the tiny objects in the orders of microns. The microscope uses the terms like resolving power, and other terms associated with it like the wavelength and the numerical aperture, and these variables are required to understand carefully.