Which type of microscope combines both eyepiece and objective magnifications to achieve total magnification?

• A. Digital microscope
• B. Compound microscope
• C. Dissecting microscope
• D. Fluorescence microscope

Answer: (B)

The compound microscope is designed to utilize both the eyepiece and the objective lenses to achieve a higher total magnification. The process works by multiplying the magnification power of the eyepiece (ocular lens) with that of the objective lens, allowing for detailed observation of small specimens at high resolutions. This characteristic makes the compound microscope especially useful for biology labs and research where cellular and microscopic structures need to be examined closely.

In contrast, a digital microscope often captures images electronically and may not necessarily involve traditional eyepiece and objective lenses in the same magnification manner as a compound microscope. A dissecting microscope is typically used for examining larger, three-dimensional specimens, providing lower magnification and depth perception but not the combination of eyepiece and objective lenses for total magnification. Similarly, a fluorescence microscope is specialized for viewing fluorescently labeled specimens and also does not follow the same magnification principle as the compound microscope. Thus, the compound microscope is the correct choice as it embodies the combination of lens magnifications to achieve total magnification effectively.