Final answer:
The quality of a microscopic image is determined by magnification, resolution, and contrast. Magnification enlarges the appearance of objects, resolution is the sharpness of the image, and contrast is the differentiation of details within the image.
Step-by-step explanation:
In microscopy, magnification, resolution, and contrast are three key factors that determine the quality of an image. Magnification is the process of making an object appear larger, like enlarging something 10 times its size. Resolution refers to the ability to distinguish two separate points as distinct, which depends on the wavelength of light or electrons used and the numerical aperture of the lens used. Contrast involves the differentiation of details in the image, which can be affected by the staining techniques or the light settings in the microscope. To improve resolution if an image appears blurry at high magnification, one could adjust the light intensity or employ techniques like using an oil immersion lens, which can increase magnification up to 1,000 times and improve resolution.