What are the different types of microscopes?

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There are 2 main types of microscopes:

• Light microscopes

• Electron microscopes

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The resolving power is the ability of a microscope to distinguish a difference between 2 very close things.

 

Electron microscopes have higher magnification and resolving power, allowing scientists to discover tiny structures like ribosomes and viruses.

 

You need to be able to carry out magnification calculations in your exam.

 

Magnification Formula: 

• Magnification = Image size ÷ Actual size  

 

This can then be rearranged to:

• Image size = Actual size × Magnification

• Actual size = Image size ÷ Magnification

 

Exam Tip: Always convert units to the same type (e.g., mm → μm: ×1000)

 

You may be asked to use Standard Form and Orders of Magnitude.

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Required Practical: Use a light microscope and calculate magnification.