# Homework Help: Resolution of a microscope

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1. Jun 11, 2012

### klminch

1. The problem statement, all variables and given/known data

The image formed by a microscope objective with a focal length of 5 mm is 160mm from its second focal point. The eyepiece has a focal length of 26mm.

a.what is the angular magnification of the microscope?

2. Relevant equations

Mtotal=M_e*m_o

m_o= linear magnification of objective. m_o=-L/f_o, where L is the distance from the first lens to the first image, and f_o is the focal length of the objective.

M_e=25/f_e where M_e= angular magnification of the eyepiece.

3. The attempt at a solution

So M_e=25*10/26= 9.6154, since 25 is referring to the near point in cm, I converted it to mm.

m_o= 160/5= 32
M=32*9.6154=307.69.

However, the correct answer is 317 so I'm about 10 off and I don't know why. I think I may be using the L term incorrectly as I don't really understand what the 160mm value is referring too. Any help would about where I went wrong above would really be appreciated.

Thanks!

Last edited: Jun 11, 2012