Chapter 19, Problem 58A

To determine

To explain:The reason for using blue light for illumination in an optical microscope.

Answer to Problem 58A

Blue light is used for illumination in an optical microscope as it results in maximum resolving power of the instrument.

Explanation of Solution

Introduction:

In an optical microscope, a system of lenses and visible light is used to magnify small objects. Optical microscope is also known as light microscope.

The resolving power of the optical microscope and wavelength of the light used to illuminate the object are inversely proportional to each other.

Shorter the wavelength of the light used to irradiate the object, higher will be the resolving power of the object.

The primary colors of light are blue, green, and red.

Among the primary colors of light, the blue light have the shortest wavelength in comparison to the other two.

The usage of blue light in optical telescope to illuminate the object will result in maximum resolving power of the instrument. So, blue light is used for illumination in an optical microscope.

Conclusion:

Thus, blue light is used for illumination in an optical microscope as it results in maximum resolving power of the instrument.