parts of the microscope and explain what they do: Mirror
The part of the microscope known as the mirror is responsible for reflecting and directing light onto the specimen being observed. It is typically located at the base of the microscope, below the stage.
The mirror is usually concave in shape and has a reflective surface on the inside. It can be adjusted to control the angle at which the light is directed. There are two main types of mirrors found in microscopes: the plane mirror and the concave mirror.
- Plane mirror: This type of mirror is flat and reflects light at the same angle it hits the mirror. It is commonly used for lower magnification microscope objectives. When the mirror is properly adjusted, it reflects ambient light from the environment onto the specimen.
- Concave mirror: This mirror has a curved, bowl-shaped surface that focuses the light onto the specimen. It gathers and concentrates light from an external source, such as a built-in illuminator or an external light source, making it particularly useful for higher magnification objectives.
The mirror is an essential component of a microscope as it provides the necessary illumination to visualize the specimen. By directing light onto the sample, it enhances contrast and improves the visibility of the details being observed. Proper adjustment of the mirror is crucial to ensure optimal illumination and clear imaging of the specimen.