GCSE Combined Science (AQA)

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Magnification Calculations

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Cell Biology Cell Structure

Magnification Calculations

3:15 Microscopy
Spec 4.1.1.5
Previous Magnification Next Microscopes
  • An equation is used to calculate the magnification of an image.
  • Magnification is defined as the image size divided by the actual size.
  • Example given: an ant viewed under a microscope has an image size of 50 millimeters and an actual size of 5 millimeters.
  • The equation can be rearranged using a formula triangle to solve for missing values (image size, actual size, or magnification).
  • Units for image size and actual size must be consistent (e.g., both in millimeters or micrometers).
  • Magnification is a unitless ratio.
  • Example calculation: an animal cell has an image width of 40 millimeters and an actual width of 20 micrometers (converted to 0.02 millimeters for consistency).
  • To find magnification, divide the image size by the actual size (40 mm / 0.02 mm = 2000).
  • Magnification is often represented with a multiplication sign to indicate the enlargement factor.

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