A simple microscope is used to see the object first in blue light and then in red light. Due to the change from blue to red light, what is the effect on its magnifying power?

Step-by-step solution

The magnifying power of a simple microscope is given by M = 1 + D f or M = D f . The focal length of a lens is related to the refractive index by the lens maker's formula: 1 f = ( - 1) ( 1 R₁ - 1 R₂ ) . According to Cauchy's relation, the refractive index decreases with an increase in wavelength: = A + B ^2 . Since the wavelength of red light is greater than that of blue light ( _ red > _ blue ), the refractive index for red light is less than that for blue light ( _ red Consequently, the focal length of the lens i