Define the resolving power of a light microscope and write its formula.

The resolving power of a light microscope is the ability of the microscope to distinguish between two closely spaced objects as separate entities. It is a measure of the microscope's ability to produce clear and detailed images.

The formula for the resolving power of a light microscope is given by:

Resolving power = 0.61 x (wavelength of light) / (numerical aperture)

where:
- 0.61 is a constant
- wavelength of light is the wavelength of the light used in the microscope (usually around 550 nm for visible light)
- numerical aperture is a measure of the light-gathering ability of the microscope's objective lens.

Resolving power is the ability of a microscope to distinguish between two closely spaced objects. It is determined by the wavelength of light used and the numerical aperture of the objective lens.

The formula for resolving power is:

$r = \frac{\lambda}{2NA}$

where:

- $r$ is the resolving power
- $\lambda$ is the wavelength of light
- $NA$ is the numerical aperture of the objective lens