A student is looking at a bacterial specimen using the oil immersion lens, but has forgotten to put immersion oil on the slide. The specimen will appear
A) larger than it would if immersion oil was used.
B) to have no color.
C) the same as it would if the immersion oil was used.
D) smaller than it would if immersion oil was used.
E) somewhat fuzzy and have poor resolution.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Without immersion oil, light refracts as it passes from the glass slide to the air and then into the lens, leading to poor resolution and a fuzzy image. Immersion oil has a similar refractive index to glass, minimizing refraction and improving clarity.

A Student Is Looking at a Bacterial Specimen Using the Oil