Final answer:
Magnification involves enlarging an object's appearance, whereas resolution is about the clarity and detail in distinguishing separate structures. A microscope's resolution is influenced by the wavelength of light and the lens's numerical aperture.
Step-by-step explanation:
The magnification and resolution are two critical parameters in microscopy Biology. Magnification is the process of enlarging the appearance of an object, while resolution refers to a microscope's ability to distinguish two adjacent structures as distinct and separate. When considering magnification and resolution in the context of optical microscopy, one must understand that a greater magnification improves the ability to see details of small objects, but resolution is needed to ensure these details are clear and distinct.
Unlike magnification, resolution depends on two factors: the wavelength of light and the numerical aperture of the lens. Shorter wavelengths allow for higher resolution because they can distinguish smaller objects, which is why electron microscopes, which use electron beams with very short wavelengths, have much higher resolution capabilities compared to light microscopes. The numerical aperture, which is a measure of a lens's ability to gather light, also affects resolution; a higher numerical aperture means better resolution.