Compound Microscope

[sps27]

In a recent practice test I took there was a passage based on Compound Microscope. I understand the basic principle behind it i.e., using an objective (converging lens) which produces an inverted image at a distance less than the focal point of eyepiece (another converging lens) and the eyepiece magnifies that image, the total magnification being product of individual magnifications of objective and eyepiece. But my question is, the final image will still remain inverted. So does a compound microscope always produce an inverted image? Or is there some other mechanism involved using mirrors to flip that image to upright. I guess that's the part I am missing. Nobody wants to see an inverted image of an object, now do we......

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[Sammy1024]

It depends I believe on the type of mirror/lens being used. Converging mirrors have a real image that is inverted. Diverging mirrors always have virtual, upright and smaller images. And then for converging lens it's the same as the mirror and then same for diverging lens.

Usually a series of lens/mirrors will make an object upright but for the MCAT they're not concerned about that too much.

 

[sps27]

Thanks! bro. If you are wondering where this came up, it is in GS exam 2. Had a tough PS section btw.....

 

[Sammy1024]

I love hard passages because the real mcat gets easier.