Final answer:
The overall magnification of a multiple-element system, such as a microscope or a compound lens, is the product of the magnifications of its individual lenses or elements.
Step-by-step explanation:
The overall magnification of a multiple-element system, such as a microscope or a compound lens, is the product of the magnifications of its individual lenses or elements. In the case of microscopes, the magnification is achieved by combining a simple convex lens (objective lens) with one or more additional lenses (ocular lens) to enlarge the details that cannot be seen with the open eye.
For example, if a microscope has a 40x objective lens and a 10x ocular lens, the total magnification would be (40x) x (10x) = 400x.
In the case of cataracts, if the lens of a person's eye is removed, a spectacle lens of about 16 D (diopters) might be prescribed to compensate for the loss of the eye's natural lens and to provide the necessary magnification for clear vision.