# A student prepares a slide of human cheek cells to observe under a light microscope. The student calculates the magnification of their microscope by multiplying the eyepiece lens magnification (×10) by the objective lens magnification (×40). Explain what is meant by magnification and describe how increasing the magnification of a light microscope affects what the student can see.

> Edexcel GCSE Biology (1BI0) — 1.3 Microscopy · Explain · 4 marks

> A student uses a light microscope with an eyepiece lens of ×10 and an objective lens of ×40 to view human cheek cells. The student then switches to a higher power objective lens of ×100.

## Mark scheme (4 marks)

1. Magnification is how many times larger the image appears compared to the actual size of the object
2. Total magnification is calculated by multiplying the eyepiece lens magnification by the objective lens magnification
3. Increasing magnification makes the image of the cells appear larger / the cells look bigger on the slide
4. However, increasing magnification alone does not improve resolution / the image may appear blurry unless resolution also increases

## Key terms

- [magnification](https://www.gradenine.co.uk/glossary/magnification)
- [eyepiece lens](https://www.gradenine.co.uk/glossary/eyepiece-lens)
- [objective lens](https://www.gradenine.co.uk/glossary/objective-lens)

## Related

- [Revision notes for Edexcel GCSE Biology (1BI0)](https://www.gradenine.co.uk/learn)
- [How to answer "Explain" questions](https://www.gradenine.co.uk/tools/command-word-cheatsheet)
- [Practice this with AI marking (free)](https://www.gradenine.co.uk/start)

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Source: [GradeNine](https://www.gradenine.co.uk/q/a-student-prepares-a-slide-of-b2864f35) · Published by Druglandscape Ltd.