Final answer:
Resolution is the correct term for the minimal separation at which two objects appear distinct, which is key in biology when using microscopes to see tiny details clearly.
Step-by-step explanation:
Resolution is the minimal separation between two objects at which they appear distinct. In the context of biology laboratories and specifically when discussing microscopes, resolution is crucial for the ability to see tiny details clearly. The concept of resolution is introduced when learning about how a lens can produce sharp images of two closely spaced point objects. The better the resolution of a lens, the smaller the distance at which two objects can be separated and still be distinct. This characteristic, defined as the resolving power of the lens, is typically measured using the Rayleigh criterion which factors in the minimum angular separation two points can have and still be resolvable.
Therefore, the correct answer to the student's question is B) Resolution. The expression for resolving power denoted by the distance x, as per the Rayleigh criterion, would be important in determining how well a microscope can distinguish between two adjacent structures. For example, when oil immersion lenses are employed, typically the magnification goes up to a 1,000 times, which enhances the resolving power and allows for better clarity and detail of the imaged objects.