A particular telescope has an angular resolution of 0.0012 degrees when resolving light of a particular wavelength. Given that the circular aperture of the telescope is 0.1 meters, what is the wavelength of the light being resolved?
A) 1.7 μm
B) 98 μm
C) 2.1 μm
D) 21 μm
E) 983 μm

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The angular resolution θ of a telescope is given by θ = 1.22 * (λ/D), where λ is the wavelength and D is the diameter of the aperture. Rearranging for λ gives λ = θ * D / 1.22. Substituting θ = 0.0012 degrees (converted to radians), D = 0.1 meters, and solving for λ gives approximately 1.7 μm.

A Particular Telescope Has an Angular Resolution of 0