Texas A&M University (TAMU) BIOL206 Introductory Microbiology Lab Practice Exam 1

The practical limit of a light microscope's magnification is around 1000x to 1300x, which allows for detailed observation of cellular structures and larger microorganisms while maintaining clarity and resolution. At this level of magnification, the resolving power of the microscope allows for a good balance between magnification and the ability to distinguish fine details of the specimens being observed.

Going beyond this range, specifically towards 2000x, usually leads to issues such as decreased resolution and image quality, where the details become blurred due to limitations in the optics and the wavelength of visible light. This is why magnifications higher than approximately 1300x do not typically produce better images than those at the threshold range.

Thus, 1300x serves as a practical maximum, enabling users to fully utilize the capabilities of the light microscope without sacrificing the clarity of the observed specimens.