If you have ever wondered about the difference between simple and compound microscopes, you’re not alone. Microscopes come in many shapes and sizes and each type of microscope is used for a different purpose. For example the different kinds of electron microscopes serve a very different purpose in the laboratory than light microscopes and so on.

In this article we’ll review the primary differences between simple and compound microscopes as well as highlighting the different home and laboratory applications where each might be most useful.

The Simple Microscope

What is a Simple Microscope

You may be surprised that some items you may be familiar with like a magnifying glass or reading glasses are actually simple microscopes. A simple microscope is defined as any instrument that uses a single lens to magnify objects (though a group of lenses contained within one unit are also, technically, a simple microscope as well).

Why Use a Simple Microscope

A few examples of simple microscopes you may be familiar with include pocket magnifiers, reading glasses or jewelry eyepieces. Simple microscopes are often used because of their compact size, and because the person using the simple microscope does not need additional magnification beyond what the simple microscope provides.

The Compound Microscope

What is a Compound Microscope

A compound microscope (sometimes called a light microscope) differs from a simple microscope because it uses two types of lenses to magnify an object. Compound microscopes often provide a much more advanced level of magnification by using an objective and ocular lens to provide scientists with a clear view of small specimens which require high levels of magnification.

Why Use a Compound Microscope

Compound microscopes are popular because they allow scientists and hobbyists to enjoy a superior level of magnification when compared to using a simple microscope. Compound microscopes tend to be stationary and more difficult to transport, sacrificing convenience for power.

Simple vs. Compound Microscopes: A Summary

Simple and compound microscopes serve different purposes and are constructed in different ways. To summarize:

A Simple Microscope

—  Uses one lens to magnify objects.
—  Provides a magnification level which is dictated by its single lens.
—  Is used in simple ways to magnify small, everyday objects.

A Compound Microscope

—  Uses two lenses to magnify objects (an ocular and an objective lens).
—  Is used in advanced ways such as for studying cells and living organisms.
—  Magnification = objective magnification x ocular lens magnification.

Each has its place as a useful tool, either in everyday life or in the laboratory. Now that you have learned the difference between simple and compound microscope uses and applications, take some time to explore our other informative articles about microscopes and how they’re used.

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