Simple microscope

A simple microscope or a magnifying glass is just a convex lens of short focal length, held
close to eye.
When an object AB is placed between the focus F and optical centre O of a convex lens; a
virtual, erect and magnified image A 'B ' is formed on the same side of the lens as the object.
Since a normal eye can see an object clearly at least distance of distinct vision D = 25 cm,
the position of the lens is so adjusted that the final image is formed at the distance D from
the lens, as shown:

Magnifying power:
The magnifying power of a simple microscope is defined as the ratio of the angles
subtended by the image and the object at the eye, when both are at least distance of distinct
vision from the eye. Thus,

angle subtended by the image at least distance of distinct vision

magnyfying power =
angle subtended by the image at least distance of distinct vision

 tan 
Or m   [since angles are small]
 tan 
AB / OB AB / OB
 
A ''B / OB ' AB / OB '
OB ' D
 
OB u
Using thin lens formula
1 1 1
 
v u f
we get,
1 1 1
 
D u f
1 1 1
  
u D f
D D
  1
u f
D
 m  1
f
If the final image is formed at infinity

1 1 1
 
v u f
we get,
1 1 1
 
 u f
1 1
 0
u f
D D
 
u f
D
m
f