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Microscopes and Telescopes

In this article, we are going to learn about microscopes and telescopes.

An optical instrument (sometimes known as an “optic” for short) is a device that processes light waves (or photons) in order to either enhance an image for viewing or analyze and detect the characteristics of the light waves (or photons). Periscopes, microscopes, telescopes, and cameras are examples of devices that fall into this category. An optical device used to see very small objects (such as unicellular creatures) is the microscope, while an optical instrument used to see extremely vast objects in space is the telescope.

Microscope 

A microscope is equipment that may be used to examine small objects, including cells, under the microscope. Using at least one lens in the microscope, the picture of an item is magnified several times. This lens bends light in the direction of the eye, giving the impression that an item is larger than it actually is. Technological advancements have facilitated the use of the microscope and enhanced the quality of the images generated over the course of its historical development. Complicated microscopes, which are composed of at least two lenses, were developed in 1590 by Dutch spectacle-makers Zacharias and Hans Jansen, who were working in Amsterdam. A Dutchman by the name of Antoine Van Leeuwenhoek was also responsible for the creation of some of the world’s earliest microscopes. Unlike modern microscopes, Leeuwenhoek’s microscopes were made up of a small glass ball put inside a metal frame. The use of his microscopes to view freshwater, single-celled bacteria, which he dubbed “animalcules,” earned him widespread recognition.

Types of microscope 

Simple microscope.

Compound microscope.

Electron microscope.

Stereomicroscope.

Scanning probe microscope.

Telescope 

Telescopes are optical equipment that use lenses, curved mirrors, or a combination of lenses and curved mirrors to observe distant objects. Telescopes are any of a variety of instruments that employ electromagnetic radiation to examine distant objects by emission, absorption, or reflection. A telescope is a device that magnifies the original image to provide magnified views of distant objects. The telescope is without a doubt the most important investigation tool in astronomy. It establishes a method for collecting and analysing the radiation released by celestial objects, including those in the farthest reaches of the universe.

  1. The object has a long focal length and a large aperture when looking through a telescope, whereas the eyepiece has a short focal length and a tiny aperture.
  2. A telescope is focused on a distant object using a rack and pinion arrangement, which changes the distance between the object and the eyepiece, bringing the object closer or further away.
  1. The objective of the telescope has a large aperture because then a much wider beam of light is incident on it and is converged into a small cone which, on entering the eye, produces sufficient illumination on the retina. So even two distant faint stars which cannot be seen by naked eyes, become visible through such a telescope.

Types of telescopes 

What are the four most common types of telescopes available?

Telescopes are classified into several categories.

Telescopes with a refracting element.

Reflector Telescopes are a type of telescope that reflects light back to the observer.

Dobsonian Telescopes are a type of telescope.

Maksutov-Cassegrain Telescopes are a type of astronomical telescope.

Difference between microscope and telescope 

Microscope 

 

  1. Very small items can be seen with it because of its small size.
  2. Because the eyepiece lens has a longer focal length than the objective lens, it is more effective when used with a microscope.
  3. The objective’s aperture is relatively modest.
  4. When using increased magnification, the focal length of the object should be as short as possible.

Telescope 

 

  1. It is used to see items that are large and far away.
  2. In a telescope, the objective’s focal length is greater than the eyepiece’s focal length.
  3. The objective has a big aperture, which allows for a wide field of view.
  4. The objective’s focal length should belong in order to achieve higher magnification.

Conclusion 

An optical instrument (sometimes known as an “optic” for short) is a device that processes light waves (or photons) in order to enhance an image. Periscopes, microscopes, telescopes, and cameras are examples of devices that fall into this category. Complicated microscopes – comprising at least two lenses – were developed in 1590 by Dutch spectacle-makers Zacharias and Hans Jansen. An optical instrument used to see extremely vast objects in space is the telescope. He developed a technique for collecting and studying radiation emitted by celestial objects. The telescope is the most essential investigative tool available in astronomy. 

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What is it that we can't see with our eyes alone?

Ans. Despite the fact that most cells are quite little, we cannot see the majority of them directly with our naked s...Read full

What are the similarities and differences between a microscope and a telescope?

Ans. When it comes to viewing items up close, microscopes and telescopes are very similar in that they are both used...Read full

What is the operation of telescopes and microscopes?

Ans. It is the objective lens that is used in both microscope and telescope applications. In this case, the light is...Read full

Is the shape of the telescope concave or convex?

Ans. The Primary Objective of the Reflecting Telescope or Reflector is a concave mirror, rather than a lens or lense...Read full