Question

Why are objective lenses made of a complex series of lenses, rather than a single convergent lens?

A) to jack up the price of the microscope and increase profits
B) to eliminate aberrations introduced by the lens unit that typically magnifies the image
C) to make the lens sturdier
D) to eliminate aberrations introduced by the lens units that typically resolve the image
E) to make the lens heat and cold resistant

Answer 1

Objective lenses in microscopes use complex series of lenses to eliminate aberrations like chromatic and spherical aberration, ensuring that light of all wavelengths focuses accurately, resulting in clearer images.

Step-by-step explanation:

Objective lenses in microscopes are made of a complex series of lenses rather than a single convergent lens primarily to eliminate aberrations introduced by single lens systems. When light passes through a single spherical lens, it can cause different types of aberrations, such as chromatic aberration where different colors focus at different distances, and spherical aberration where light rays at different distances from the optical axis come to focus at different points. A complex series of lenses can correct these aberrations by ensuring that all wavelengths of light come to the same focus, producing a clearer, more accurate image.

High-magnification objective lenses require additional adjustments in illumination due to their smaller apertures, which is another consideration in their design. Moreover, advances in materials science have led to the development of graded index (GRIN) lenses and other technologies to reduce aberrations further. These complex lens systems allow the microscope to produce high-quality images necessary for precise scientific work.