Compound microscopes are used to view very small items.
There are some differences between a compound and dissecting microscope. While each of these tools is used to magnify an object placed on the microscope stage, the amount of magnification that can be achieved varies considerably between these two devices. They are also constructed in different ways, particularly with respect to objective lenses and eyepieces.
Compound microscopes are capable of magnifying an object 400 times.
One of the main differences between a compound microscope and a dissecting microscope is the magnification that can be obtained with each of these tools. Compound microscopes are typically capable of magnifying an object 400 times, although it is not uncommon to find a compound microscope that can magnify an object 1,000 times. Dissecting microscopes, on the other hand, typically magnify an object 40 times or less.
The reasons for these differences in magnification power also differentiate a compound microscope from a dissecting microscope. Compound microscopes are generally used to view very small and relatively thin things like cells. Dissecting microscopes are used to look at larger objects with a greater degree of depth, such as pollen grains. As the name suggests, dissecting microscopes are also commonly used to dissect small life forms like insects.
Compound and dissecting microscopes also use different lenses. Dissecting microscopes typically have only one objective lens that can allow an object to be magnified within a defined range of magnifications, such as 10 to 30 or 20 to 40 times. There are three objective lenses in a compound microscope: one that allows the object to be viewed at the same magnification as the dissecting microscope, one that magnifies at full power, often 400 times, and one in between. The objectives of a compound microscope are also much closer to the stage than those of a dissecting microscope. The extra space between the stage and the objective in a dissecting microscope gives the viewer room to manipulate the subject while examining it.
Another difference between a compound microscope and a dissecting microscope is that a dissecting microscope is always made with two eyepieces, so the observer can look at the subject with both eyes. This allows the subject to be seen in three dimensions. Compound microscopes, on the other hand, are usually made with a single eyepiece. Although compound microscopes with two eyepieces exist, they only allow the observer to see a thin portion of the object, even if it is three-dimensional, so a single eyepiece is usually sufficient.