Among the following,the best angular resolution will be achieved with a ________ diameter telescope observing in ________ light.
A) 10-m; blue
B) 10-m; red
C) 1-m; blue
D) 1-m; red

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The angular resolution of a telescope is given by the formula:

θ = 1.22 λ/D

where θ is the angular resolution in radians, λ is the wavelength of light, and D is the diameter of the telescope.

To achieve the best angular resolution, we need to have a smaller θ value. From the formula, we see that θ is inversely proportional to D, so a larger diameter telescope is better.

Also, θ is directly proportional to λ, so shorter wavelength light leads to better angular resolution. Blue light has a shorter wavelength than red light, so it provides better angular resolution.

Therefore, a 10-m diameter telescope observing in blue light will give the best angular resolution.

Among the Following,the Best Angular Resolution Will Be Achieved with a ________