Difference Between Simple And Compound Microscope
Last Updated : 17 Nov, 2023
The simple microscope and the compound microscope are two popular types of microscopes that have multiple uses as well as totally distinct capabilities and designs. They are devices that enlarge an image of a small object to expose details that the unaided eye cannot observe. For choosing a suitable tool for a given application or scientific research, it is essential to understand the differences between them.
Difference Between Simple And Compound Microscope
The Difference Between Simple And Compound Microscope are as follows:
|
Number of lenses | It consists of a single convex lens. | It consists of multiple lenses. |
Magnification | It has low to moderate magnification. | It provides high magnification power. |
Field of View | Its field of view is large. | Its field of view is small. |
Built-in illumination | It does not have many options for built-in illumination. | It has a wide variety of options for built-in illumination. |
Complexity | Its complexity is less. | Its complexity is high. |
Cost | It is quite affordable. | These microscopes are expensive as it has complex optical systems and higher magnification capabilities. |
There is no condenser lens present. | The condenser lens is present in these types of microscopes. |
Suitability | It is suitable for basic tasks such as reading. | It is suitable for detailed scientific investigations. |
What is a Simple Microscope?
A simple microscope is a magnifying device that uses just one lens to enlarge objects. The object being viewed appears larger and closer than it actually is because the lens's outward curve causes light rays to converge. It provides modest to moderate magnification, typically between 2x and 20x. It was invented and designed by Anton Van Leeuwenhoek in 1670.
Features of Simple Microscope
While simple microscopes does not leave great impact as Compound microscope do, they have many features. Some of the features of simple microscope are as follows:
- Single Lens: The only lens in a basic microscope is a convex one, usually biconvex or plano-convex in shape.
- Magnification: Depending on the lens being used, these microscopes offer low to moderate magnification, often in the 2x to 20x range.
- Cost: These microscopes are inexpensive compared to other microscopes.
- Easy to Use: They are quite easy to use. No technical knowledge is required to use this microscope.
Simple MicroscopeWhat is a Compound Microscope?
A compound microscope is a magnifying device that uses multiple lenses to magnify an item at various zoom settings. The objective lens and the eyepiece, additionally referred to as the ocular lens, are the two primary types of lenses in a compound microscope. The total magnification it provides is 10x to 40x. It was created by Hans and Zacharias Janssen in 1950.
Features of Compound Microscope
Compound microscopes consists of many features. Some of them are as follows:
- High Magnification: These microscopes can magnify objects at significantly higher magnifications than simple microscopes, often ranging from 40x to 1000x or even more but it depends on the design of microscope.
- Superior resolution: They provide users with the ability to examine minute details and structures in specimens, including distinct cells, organelles, and microbes.
- Illumination: Compound microscopes have integrated lighting systems like brightfield, darkfield, phase-contrast, or fluorescence that improve specimen contrast and visibility.
- Mechanical Stage: A mechanical stage with X-Y controls is a common feature of compound microscopes, allowing the specimen to be moved and positioned precisely for observation.
Compound MicroscopeAlso Read: Microscope
Conclusion
Overall, both the microscopes work very well in our day-to-day life. Simple microscope can be used for basic jobs while we can use compound microscope for scientific purposes and research too. The former consists of only one lens whereas the latter consists of 2 or more than 2 lens which is a great advantage. At the end, its user's particular demands and objectives that determine whether to utilize a simple microscope or a compound microscope.
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