Final answer:
Decreasing the wavelength of light used in a microscope increases resolution, as shorter wavelengths can resolve smaller details. Similarly, increasing the diameter of the objective lens enhances resolving power by allowing more light to enter, thus improving detail discernment.
Step-by-step explanation:
The resolving power of a compound microscope is influenced by the wavelength of light and the size of the objective lens. When the wavelength of the light used is decreased, the resolving power increases. This is because shorter wavelengths have the capability to distinguish smaller details, leading to a higher resolution. Conversely, using light with a longer wavelength would result in a lower resolution as the wave's ability to differentiate between close points is reduced.
Increasing the diameter of the objective lens also increases the resolving power of the microscope. A larger lens allows more light to be gathered, which is described by the numerical aperture. A higher numerical aperture means that more light can enter, which improves the capability of the lens to resolve fine details, thereby enhancing resolution. Therefore, a microscope with a larger objective lens diameter is capable of resolving smaller structures within the specimen being observed.