In telescopes designed for any wavelength of electromagnetic radiation, the angular resolution is worse for
A) larger diameter lenses or mirrors or radio dishes and longer wavelength radiation.
B) larger diameter lenses or mirrors or radio dishes and shorter wavelength radiation.
C) smaller diameter lenses or mirrors or radio dishes and shorter wavelength radiation.
D) smaller diameter lenses or mirrors or radio dishes and longer wavelength radiation.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The angular resolution of a telescope becomes worse (i.e., the telescope's ability to distinguish small details decreases) with smaller diameters of its lenses, mirrors, or radio dishes, and with longer wavelengths of electromagnetic radiation. This is because both smaller apertures and longer wavelengths lead to greater diffraction, which limits the telescope's resolving power.

In Telescopes Designed for Any Wavelength of Electromagnetic Radiation, the Angular