[Campbell Biology P.143] Which statement correctly defines one of the three important parame... | Practice Question

Which statement correctly defines one of the three important parameters in microscopy: magnification, resolution, or contrast?

  • A: Magnification is the minimum distance two points can be separated and still be distinguished.
  • B: Resolution is the ratio of an object's image size to its real size.
  • C: Contrast is the difference in brightness between the light and dark areas of an image.
  • D: Light microscopes can effectively magnify up to 10,000 times the actual size.

Explanation

The text explicitly defines contrast as 'the difference in brightness between the light and dark areas of an image'. Magnification is defined as 'the ratio of an object's image size to its real size', and resolution is 'the minimum distance two points can be separated and still be distinguished as separate points'. The effective magnification limit for light microscopes is stated as 'about 1,000 times'.