How is the magnification of an object calculated?

The magnification of an optical system, such as a microscope, is calculated using the relationship between the tube length and the focal length of the lens. Specifically, the magnification can be determined by dividing the tube length (the distance from the lens to the image plane) by the focal length of the lens (the distance from the lens to the focal point where light converges). This relationship reflects how much larger the image of the object appears compared to the object's actual size. A longer tube length relative to the focal length results in greater magnification, which is essential for observing finer details in cytogenetic analysis.

By understanding this formula, one can effectively determine the magnifying power of the optical system being used, which is crucial in cytogenetics where precise visualization of chromosomal structures and abnormalities is necessary for accurate diagnosis and analysis.