Observe how a microscope can be focused on different levels of an object from its top to its bottom surface.

1. Brought a microscope to the lab area making sure to use both hands to carry the microscope and that the cord was not dangling.
2. Looked through the instructions making sure there were no problems that could be posed.
3. Organized the lab area and prepared all equipment including slides and the microscope.
4. Placed the prepared slide on the stage making sure the stage clips held the stage in place.
5. Rotated the nosepiece to the low-power objective lens and carefully focused on the image.
6. Recorded observations.
7. Rotated the nosepiece to the medium-power objective lens and carefully focused on the image.
8. Recorded observations.
9. Rotated the nosepiece to the high-power objective lens and carefully focused on the image.
10. Recorded observations.
11. Removed the slide.
12. Cleaned up the lab area and placed the equipment in the designated places.

Observations

Observations of the Slide under the Low, Medium, and High Magnifications

4. Under the low-power magnification, the red thread seemed to be on the top position. Three threads seemed to be in focus under the low-power magnification and all three threads were simultaneously in focus.

5. Under the medium-power magnification, the red thread seemed to be on the top position. Two threads seemed to be in focus under the medium-power magnification and not all three threads were simultaneously in focus.

6. Under the high-power magnification, the red thread seemed to be on the top position. One thread seemed to be in focus under the high-power magnification and not all three threads were simultaneously in focus.

The low-power magnification gives the greatest depth of the field. Under the high-power magnification, the rotation of the fine adjustment knob does increase the depth of field.

7. Under the high-power magnification, the center and the edges of the field of view were not equally as sharp and one has to adjust the focus to see the entire field clearly. We could not identify the type of cloth used in each sample.

Conclusion

The purpose was achieved. Since the different depths of a microscope and the how to focus on different levels of an object was seen, it can therefore be concluded that a microscope has different depths depending on the magnification and an individual can focus on different levels of an object under a microscope. As a result, my hypothesis was proven correct.

Text Questions

1. The eye focuses on one object at a distance; however, it has to adjust and focus if the individual looks at a closer or more distant object. Therefore, the eye is continuously adjusting to focus on close and distant objects. An individual cannot focus on a near and distant object at once.

2. An object being observed under a microscope must be thin to allow light from the diaphragm to pass through the object thus allowing the object to be magnified. An object must also be thin to allow the observation of detail and texture. If no light passes through the object, the object will leave a dark shadow and there will not be a presence of detail or texture.