Resolving power: If the headlights on a car are separated by 1.3 m, how far down the road can they be resolved if the angular resolution of the eye is 5.0 × 10^-4 rad and the person has excellent vision? A) 1.3 km B) 5.0 km C) 4.8 km D) 0.65 km E) 2.6 km

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The resolving power is given by the formula θ = s / d, where θ is the angular resolution, s is the separation, and d is the distance. Solving for d gives d = s / θ = 1.3 m / (5.0 × 10^-4 rad) = 2.6 km.

Resolving Power: If the Headlights on a Car Are Separated