What part of the microscope magnifies the primary image of an object?

The part of the microscope that magnifies the primary image of an object is the eyepiece, which is also known as the ocular lens. The eyepiece is positioned at the top of the microscope and is where the viewer looks through to observe the specimen. It typically has a fixed magnification, often around 10x or 15x, and it further enlarges the already magnified image produced by the objective lens.

To understand this better, it is important to consider the function of the objective lens, which is primarily responsible for initially magnifying the specimen itself. The objective lens captures light from the specimen and forms a real, enlarged image, which is then further magnified by the eyepiece for the final view.

The condenser lens focuses the light onto the specimen but does not contribute to magnification as it primarily enhances brightness and contrast, aiding the overall viewing experience.

The illuminator provides light to visualize the specimen but does not play a role in image magnification. Each component of the microscope has its specific role in the overall imaging process, but the eyepiece is crucial in delivering the final optical magnification that the viewer sees.