If an objective magnifies 40× and each binocular lens magnifies 15×, the total magnification of the object being viewed is ________.

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Identify the magnification of the objective lens, which is given as 40×.

Identify the magnification of each binocular (ocular) lens, which is given as 15×.

Recall that the total magnification of a compound microscope is calculated by multiplying the magnification of the objective lens by the magnification of the ocular lens.

Write the formula for total magnification as: \(\text{Total Magnification} = \text{Objective Magnification} \times \text{Ocular Magnification}\).

Substitute the given values into the formula: \(\text{Total Magnification} = 40 \times 15\) and then multiply to find the total magnification.

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Key Concepts

Here are the essential concepts you must grasp in order to answer the question correctly.

Objective Lens Magnification

The objective lens is the primary lens in a microscope that is closest to the specimen. Its magnification power determines how much the specimen is enlarged initially, such as 40× in this case.

Ocular (Binocular) Lens Magnification

The ocular lenses, or eyepieces, are the lenses you look through, typically magnifying the image produced by the objective lens. Each binocular lens magnifies the image further, here by 15×.

Total Magnification Calculation

Total magnification is found by multiplying the magnification of the objective lens by that of the ocular lens. For example, 40× objective multiplied by 15× ocular results in a total magnification of 600×.