A person uses two microscopes to view the same object.Microscope A is twice as long as microscope B and contains lenses with focal lengths that are one-half those of B.If microscope A provides a magnification of m,then what magnification does B provide?
A)m
B)2m
C)m/2
D)8m
E)m/8

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The magnification of a microscope is directly proportional to the length of the microscope and inversely proportional to the focal length of its lenses. Since microscope A is twice as long and has lenses with half the focal length compared to B, the magnification of B would be $m \times \frac{1}{2} \times 2 = m/2 \times 2 = m$. However, because both factors (length and focal length) are squared in the formula for magnification, the actual magnification of B is $m/4 \times 4 = m/16$, which is not an option provided. The correct reasoning involves considering the overall effect of both the length and focal length on magnification, leading to the conclusion that B would have a magnification of $m/8$, considering the direct and inverse relationships correctly.

A Person Uses Two Microscopes to View the Same Object