Final answer:
The path of light in a microscope starts at the electric light source and passes through the (2) diaphragm, the stage, the objective lens, the tube, and finally the eyepiece before reaching the observer's eye.
Step-by-step explanation:
The path of light in a compound microscope is a multi-step process. Initially, light from an electric light source passes through the diaphragm to allow a controlled amount of light through. This light then illuminates the specimen on the stage. After passing through the specimen, the light enters the objective lens where it is first magnified.
This magnified image is then sent up the tube to the eyepiece, also known as the ocular lens, where it is magnified further before reaching your eye. The correct sequence for the path of light in a microscope is thus 3) electric light source, diaphragm, stage, objective lens, tube, eyepiece.