Final answer:
The assertion that a microscope can work as a telescope when the objective and eyepiece are interchanged is false. The reason given, that the objective lens of a telescope has a small focal length, is also incorrect.
Step-by-step explanation:
The assertion that if the objective and eyepiece of a microscope are interchanged, it can work as a telescope is false. The reason given, that the objective lens of the telescope has a small focal length, is also incorrect. While both microscopes and telescopes use lenses to magnify objects, their designs and functions are different.
In a microscope, the objective lens is used to focus light from a close object, such as a cellular sample, and produce a magnified image. The objective lens has a short focal length to allow for close-up magnification. The eyepiece then further magnifies this intermediate image for the viewer.
In a telescope, the objective lens or mirror collects and focuses light from a distant object, such as a star or planet, to produce a larger, dimmer image. The eyepiece then magnifies this image for the viewer. The focal length of the objective lens in a telescope is typically longer to accommodate long-distance viewing.