Physics - Geometrical Optics Question with Solution | TestHub

The resolving power of a compound microscope is given by:

$\text{Resolving Power}=\frac{2\mu \sin \theta }{\lambda }$

where $\mu$ is the refractive index of the medium between the object and the objective lens, $\theta$ is the semi-vertical angle of the cone of light entering the objective, and $\lambda$ is the wavelength of light.

To improve the resolving power, one must either decrease the wavelength of light $\lambda$, increase the refractive index of the medium $\mu$, or increase the diameter of the objective lens to increase $\theta$.

Therefore, increasing the refractive index of the medium between the object and the objective lens improves the resolving power.

Answer: increase the refractive index of the medium between the object and objective lens.