10.42* We intend to observe two distant equal-brightness stars whose angular separation is $50.0 \times 10^{-7}$ rad. Assuming a mean wavelength of 550 nm, what is the smallest-diameter objective lens that will resolve the stars (according to Rayleigh's criterion)?
Added by Alexander F.
Close
Step 1
22 * λ / D Where: θ is the angular resolution (in radians) λ is the wavelength of light (in meters) D is the diameter of the objective lens (in meters) In this case, the wavelength of light is given as 550 nm, which is equivalent to 550 * 10^-9 meters. Show more…
Show all steps
Your feedback will help us improve your experience
Ameer Said and 93 other Physics 103 educators are ready to help you.
Ask a new question
Labs
Want to see this concept in action?
Explore this concept interactively to see how it behaves as you change inputs.
Key Concepts
Recommended Videos
We intend to observe two distant equal-brightness stars whose angular separation is $50.0 \times 10^{-7}$ rad. Assuming a mean wavelength of $550 \mathrm{nm},$ what is the smallest-diameter objective lens that will resolve the stars (according to Rayleigh's criterion)?
Urvashi A.
A binary star system has a maximum angular separation between the stars of 1.9×10^-5 radians. If λ = 620 nm, what is the smallest diameter of a telescope objective lens that should be used to resolve these two stars?
Timothy J.
Recommended Textbooks
University Physics with Modern Physics
Physics: Principles with Applications
Fundamentals of Physics
18,000,000+
Students on Numerade
Trusted by students at 8,000+ universities
Watch the video solution with this free unlock.
EMAIL
PASSWORD