The angular resolution of the largest single-dish radio telescope in the United States,the 100 m Green Bank Telescope,is closest to________ when it operates at a wavelength of 20 cm.
A) 0.6°
B) 0.6 arcmin
C) 0.6 arcsec
D) 6 arcsec

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The angular resolution (θ) of a telescope is given by the formula θ = 1.22 * (λ/D), where λ is the wavelength and D is the diameter of the telescope. For the Green Bank Telescope, λ = 20 cm and D = 100 m. Converting 20 cm to meters gives 0.2 m. Thus, θ = 1.22 * (0.2/100) = 0.00244 radians, which is approximately 0.14 degrees or 0.6°.

The Angular Resolution of the Largest Single-Dish Radio Telescope in the United