Simple microscope

Definition

A simple microscope is an optical device that uses a single lens to magnify small objects. It is often used to observe microscopic organisms and structures.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Simple microscopes typically provide magnification between 10x and 300x.
2. The first simple microscope was developed by Antonie van Leeuwenhoek in the late 17th century.
3. They are primarily used for viewing transparent or translucent specimens like cells and microorganisms.
4. Simple microscopes rely on natural light or an external light source for illumination.
5. They are considered less complex than compound microscopes, which use multiple lenses.

Review Questions

• What range of magnification do simple microscopes typically provide?
• Who is credited with developing the first simple microscope?
• How does a simple microscope differ from a compound microscope?

Related terms

compound microscope: An optical device that uses multiple lenses to achieve higher magnification.

magnification: The process of enlarging the appearance of an object using optical instruments.

objective lens: The primary lens in a microscope that gathers light from the specimen being observed.