2.1 Microscopy

Question 1

Sample preparation: Dry Mount. Explain how it works.

Answer 1

• Solid specimens are viewed as whole or cut into thin slices if they’re too thick to let light through
• Specimen is placed in the centre of the slide
• A cover slip is placed on top

Question 2

Sample preparation: Wet Mount. Explain how it works.

Answer 2

• Drop of water / immersion oil is placed onto the slide
• The specimen is placed on using tweezers
• Cover slip is placed at an angle

Question 3

Sample preparation: Squash Slides. Explain how it works.

Answer 3

• Kinda irrelevant

Question 4

Sample preparation: Smear Slide. Explain how it works.

Answer 4

• The edge of one slide is used to smear the specimen over another, creating a thin even coating
• Cover slip is placed over the specimen

Question 5

What is diffraction?

Answer 5

Bending of light as it passes near the edge of an object