Calculate magnification and size of biological specimens using millimetres as units

Sourav PanNovember 14, 2024

Answered step-by-step

To calculate magnification and the size of biological specimens using millimeters as units, we can use the formula:

Magnification Formula

Example Calculations

Example 1: Calculating Actual Size from Magnification

Suppose you have an image of a plant cell that measures 30 mm in size, and it has been magnified by a factor of x 3000. To find the actual size of the cell, you can rearrange the formula:

1. Given:
   • Image Size = 30 mm
   • Magnification = 3000
2. Calculation:
   Actual Size=30 mm ÷  3000=0.01 mm
3. Convert to Micrometers:
   Since 1 mm=1000 μm:
   0.01 mm=0.01×1000=10 μm

Example 2: Calculating Magnification from Actual Size

Imagine a bacterial cell has an actual size of 2 µm, and the image size measured under a microscope is 10 mm.

1. Convert Image Size to Micrometers:
   Since 1 mm=1000 μm
   10 mm=10×1000=10000 μm
2. Using the Magnification Formula:
   • Actual Size = 2 μm
   • Image Size = 10000 μm
3. Calculation:
   Magnification=Image Size ÷  Actual Size=10000 μm ÷  2 μm=5000

Summary of Steps for Calculating Magnification and Actual Size

1. Identify and measure the image size in millimeters or convert it to micrometers if necessary.
2. Use the magnification formula to calculate either actual size or magnification based on what is given.
3. Ensure all units are consistent (preferably in micrometers for biological specimens).
4. Convert units when necessary to maintain consistency.