Light Microscope questions. Please Help?

Question

Most beginning workers using microscope use the highest power (magnification) possible. Experienced people learn to use low power (magnification) most of the time. Why is that?

When and why do you the settings to the diaphragm? (the knob at the bottom of the stage with five holes where the light shines through) Such as... why use the small opening on high power?

Answer 1

Hi. Higher power has poorer resolution. The diaphragm is used to control the depth of field, similar to the aperture setting on a camera.