Can oil immersion be used at all magnification levels to increase resolution in light microscopy?

• A. Yes, oil immersion is required for all magnification levels to view specimens clearly.
• B. Yes, oil immersion can be used with any objective lens to improve resolution.
• C. No, oil immersion is typically used only with the highest power objective lenses (such as 100x) to increase resolution.
• D. No, oil immersion is only used with low power objectives (such as 4x or 10x).

Answer: (C)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Understand the purpose of oil immersion in light microscopy: it is used to increase the resolution by reducing light refraction between the glass slide and the objective lens.
2. Recall that oil immersion is typically applied with high-power objective lenses, especially the 100x objective, because at this magnification, light refraction significantly affects image clarity.
3. Recognize that at lower magnifications (such as 4x or 10x), the working distance is larger and the effect of light refraction is minimal, so oil immersion is not necessary or practical.
4. Conclude that oil immersion cannot be used effectively at all magnification levels; it is specifically designed for use with the highest power objectives to enhance resolution.
5. Therefore, the correct understanding is that oil immersion is typically used only with the highest power objective lenses (such as 100x) to increase resolution, not with all magnifications.