Final answer:
Magnification enlarges the image of an object; resolution determines the clarity of the magnified image. Parfocal means the object stays in focus when switching magnification.
Step-by-step explanation:
The magnification of a microscope refers to the ability to make an object appear larger, while resolution is the ability to distinguish details and structure within the magnified image, effectively the clarity of the image. A higher resolution means a sharper and more detailed view of the object. Parfocal and parcentral are terms associated with microscopes. Parfocal refers to lenses arranged in such a way that when one switches magnifications, the object remains in focus, while parcentral refers to the alignment of optical paths such that the center of the view stays consistent when switching between lenses.
Resolution is different from contrast, which is the difference in light intensity between the image and the background. Two factors that affect resolution are the wavelength of light used - shorter wavelengths offer better resolution, and the numerical aperture of the lens - higher numerical aperture enhances resolution.