How is total magnification calculated in microscopy?

Total magnification in microscopy is calculated by multiplying the magnification power of the ocular lens (eyepiece) by the magnification power of the objective lens being used. This relationship allows for a comprehensive understanding of how much larger an object appears compared to its actual size.

For example, if a microscope has an ocular lens with a magnification of 10x and an objective lens with a magnification of 40x, the total magnification would be 10x multiplied by 40x, resulting in 400x total magnification. This formula is foundational in microscopy as it provides clarity on how image enlargement works.

Understanding this multiplication factor is essential for any microbial observation, ensuring that students can accurately assess the visual details of specimens with the appropriate level of magnification.