17. Which objective lens should you use when initially viewing a specimen with a microscope?
Answer: D
Low power is the appropriate objective lens for initially viewing a specimen with a microscope.
Using the low power objective lens allows for a wider field of view, making it easier to locate and focus on the specimen before switching to higher magnifications for detailed observation.
A) Oil immersion
Oil immersion lenses are designed for viewing specimens at high magnifications and require a special oil to enhance resolution. This option is not suitable for initial viewing, as it complicates the process and is used only after the specimen has been located.
B) Medium power
While the medium power lens offers a greater magnification than low power, it is still not the best choice for initial viewing. It provides a narrower field of view, which can make it more challenging to locate the specimen compared to the low power lens.
C) High dry
High dry lenses are used for detailed examination of specimens and provide high magnification without immersion oil. However, using this lens initially can lead to difficulty in finding the specimen due to its limited field of view, making it less practical for starting observations.
D) Low power
The low power objective lens is ideal for initial viewing because it allows for a broader field of vision and easier locating of specimens. This lens is specifically designed for scanning and preliminary observations, making it the most effective choice for the first look at a sample.
Conclusion
Low power is definitively the correct choice when initially viewing a specimen with a microscope due to its wider field of view and ease of locating specimens. Other options, while useful in later stages of examination, do not provide the optimal conditions for starting observations, making them less suitable for initial use.