Question

Which of these factors is improved by adding immersion oil when using the 100x objective?

a magnification
b transparency
c contrast
d resolution

Answer 1

The factor that is improved by adding immersion oil when using the 100x objective is resolution. The correct option is d) resolution

Step-by-step explanation:

Resolution refers to the ability of a microscope to distinguish fine details and separate closely spaced objects. The higher the resolution, the more details can be observed. When using a high magnification objective like the 100x, adding immersion oil between the specimen and the objective lens improves resolution.

The use of immersion oil helps minimize the loss of light due to refraction as light passes through different media with different refractive indices. Without immersion oil, there would be a significant refractive index mismatch between the air and the glass lens, leading to a loss of resolution and blurring of the image.

By adding immersion oil, which has a refractive index closely matching that of the glass lens, the light rays entering the lens can maintain their direction and converge more accurately onto the specimen. This results in improved resolution, allowing for the observation of finer details and better differentiation of closely spaced objects.

In summary, when using the 100x objective, adding immersion oil improves resolution by minimizing the loss of light due to refraction and allowing for better visualization of fine details.

Answer 2

The use of immersion oil with a 100x objective lens on a light microscope improves the resolution of the image by minimizing light scattering and increasing the amount of light that enters the objective lens, thus providing a clearer and more detailed view of the specimen at higher magnifications.

Step-by-step explanation:

When using the 100x objective on a light microscope, adding immersion oil improves not magnification, transparency, or contrast, but the resolution of the image. Resolution refers to the microscope's ability to distinguish two adjacent structures as separate; the higher the resolution, the better the clarity and detail of the image.

The light rays from a specimen are refracted as they enter the objective lens. In the case of air as the immersion medium, significant light scattering occurs due to the difference in refractive indices between air and glass. This scattering degrades the resolution.

Immersion oils are used to fill the space between the cover glass and the lens, which eliminates the air gap and reduces light scattering. Because the oil and the glass have closely matched refractive indices, light passing from the specimen through the oil to the microscope lens does not scatter nearly as much, allowing for a higher maximum angle at which light can strike the lens.