What is the path of light in a compound microscope?

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In a compound microscope, there is a specific path that light follows to produce magnified images. Let me explain the path step by step:

1. Illumination: The first step is the illumination of the specimen. A light source, located at the base of the microscope, produces light that passes through a condenser lens. The condenser lens focuses the light onto the specimen.

2. Objective lens: The light passing through the specimen enters the objective lens. The objective lens is situated close to the specimen and has a high magnification power. It collects the light rays and forms a magnified real image of the specimen.

3. Tube and eyepiece: The magnified real image formed by the objective lens is then projected into the tube. The tube is basically a hollow cylindrical structure that connects the objective lens to the eyepiece.

4. Eyepiece lens: The eyepiece lens is located at the upper end of the tube, and its function is to further magnify the real image formed by the objective lens. This creates a virtual image, which is ultimately observed by the viewer.

5. Viewing the image: The viewer looks through the eyepiece and sees the final magnified virtual image. This image appears larger and closer than the actual specimen, allowing for detailed observations.

To summarize, the path of light in a compound microscope starts at the light source, passes through the specimen, enters the objective lens, travels through the tube, and finally reaches the eyepiece lens where it forms a virtual image for observation.