Final answer:
The total magnification of an image viewed through a light microscope with a 40x objective lens and a 10x ocular lens is 400x. This calculation is fundamental in the field of microscopy, and it results in an image that is 400 times larger than the actual size of the specimen.
Step-by-step explanation:
To determine the total magnification of an image viewed through a light microscope, one must multiply the magnification of the objective lens by the magnification of the ocular lens. In the scenario provided, the light microscope has an objective lens with a magnification of 40x and an ocular lens with a magnification of 10x. Therefore, the total magnification of the image would be:
40x (objective lens magnification) × 10x (ocular lens magnification) = 400x (total magnification).
This means that the object being observed under the microscope will appear 400 times larger than its actual size. The total magnification is a fundamental concept in microscopy, as it allows scientists and students to view specimens at a scale suitable for detailed analysis and study. By using lenses with different magnification powers, researchers can achieve the necessary enlargement to explore the microcosm effectively.