Which statement below best explains why we are able to see details of a distant object more clearly when viewed through a telescope?
A) The image formed by the telescope is larger than the object.
B) The image formed by the telescope subtends a larger angle at the eye than the object does.
C) The intermediate image formed by the objective lens is greatly magnified.
D) Both the objective and eyepiece form real images.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

When we view a distant object through a telescope, the objective lens (or mirror) collects a larger amount of light and forms a magnified image of the object. This magnified image subtends a larger angle at the eye, which allows us to see the details more clearly than with the naked eye. Option A is incorrect because the image size is not necessarily larger than the object. Option C is partly correct, but the intermediate image is not necessarily greatly magnified. Option D is not a complete explanation for why we can see details more clearly.

Which Statement Below Best Explains Why We Are Able to See