A compound microscope gives a magnification of 200 with an eyepiece of focal length 2.00 cm. If the eyepiece is replaced with an eyepiece of focal length 1.50 cm, what magnification results?
A) 150
B) 133
C) 89
D) 267
E) 300

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The magnification of a compound microscope is directly proportional to the focal length of the eyepiece. Reducing the focal length from 2.00 cm to 1.50 cm decreases the focal length to 3/4 of its original value, inversely increasing the magnification to 4/3 of its original value. Therefore, the new magnification is 200 * (4/3) = 266.67, which rounds to 267.

A Compound Microscope Gives a Magnification of 200 with an Eyepiece