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A compound microscope has objective focal length $f_o=1.0\,\mathrm{cm}$, eyepiece focal length $f_e=2.0\,\mathrm{cm}$, and tube length $L=20\,\mathrm{cm}$. If the final image is formed at infinity, what is its magnification? ![](https://qallery.app/diagrams/v2_08011adc3f01/img-038.jpeg)

A10
B50
C100
D250
Answer & Solution
Correct answer: D. 250
For a compound microscope with final image at infinity, the total magnification is $$m=\left(\frac{L}{f_o}\right)\left(\frac{D}{f_e}\right),$$ where $D=25\,\mathrm{cm}$. Substituting, $$m=\frac{20}{1}\times\frac{25}{2}=20\times 12.5=250.$$ So the microscope magnifies the object 250 times. Option C might seem tempting if one uses only $f_o/f_e$, but that formula is for a telescope, not a compound microscope.
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