A low power objective in a microscope refers to the lens that provides the lowest magnification compared to other objectives available on the same microscope.

Here's a breakdown:

* Magnification: Low power objectives typically have a magnification of 4x or 10x. This means they make the object appear 4 or 10 times larger than its actual size.

* Field of View: Compared to higher power objectives, low power objectives offer a wider field of view. This means you can see a larger area of the specimen at once.

* Working Distance: Low power objectives have a longer working distance between the objective lens and the specimen. This allows you to comfortably view larger objects without risking damage to the lens or the specimen.

* Uses: Low power objectives are often used for initial observation and scanning of specimens. They are also useful for viewing large objects or specimens that need a wider field of view.

In contrast:

* High power objectives (40x, 100x) provide higher magnification but have a narrower field of view and shorter working distance. They are used for detailed observation of small structures.

It's important to remember: The magnification of the objective lens is only part of the total magnification of the microscope. The total magnification is calculated by multiplying the objective lens magnification by the eyepiece magnification.

For example, if you are using a 4x objective lens and a 10x eyepiece, the total magnification is 40x (4x objective x 10x eyepiece).