Final answer:
To distinguish an object from its surroundings in microscopy, techniques that enhance contrast, such as the use of stains and wave interference methods, are applied. These techniques alter how light interacts with the object versus the background, creating a more defined image.
Step-by-step explanation:
Techniques that help to distinguish an object from its surroundings include the usage of certain microscopy methods that enhance contrast. Contrast is the difference in light intensity between the object and its background. Using stains such as dyes and fluorophores can specifically enhance contrast for microscopic samples, but these are often application-specific. For a more general approach, wave interference techniques can be quite effective. When light passes through different indices of refraction in a sample, the emergent light wavelengths vary, leading to the desired contrast enhancement. This can be especially efficacious with coherent and monochromatic light sources, like lasers. Additionally, in photography and general imagery, simply zooming in on the subject can reduce background distractions and improve focus on the subject matter.