What is the total magnification of a light microscope with an ocular of 10x and an objective of 40x?

The total magnification of a light microscope is calculated by multiplying the magnification of the ocular lens by the magnification of the objective lens. In this case, the ocular lens has a magnification of 10x, and the objective lens has a magnification of 40x.

When you perform the multiplication:

10x (ocular) × 40x (objective) = 400x (total magnification).

This means that the image viewed through the microscope is magnified 400 times its actual size, allowing for detailed observation of the specimen. Understanding this magnification process is critical for using microscopes effectively in biological studies, as it influences how well one can see details of cellular structures and organisms.