The objective lens of a telescope has a focal length of 2.0 m and its eyepiece has a focal length of 1.0 cm. What is the magnification of this telescope when viewing Jupiter?
A) 0.50
B) 0.0050
C) 20
D) 200
E) 2.0

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The magnification of a telescope is given by the ratio of the focal length of the objective lens to the focal length of the eyepiece. Thus, magnification = focal length of objective / focal length of eyepiece = 2.0 m / 1.0 cm = 200 cm / 1 cm = 200.

The Objective Lens of a Telescope Has a Focal Length