Observations of radio waves from astronomical objects suffer from poorer resolution than visible observations with the same size dish (or mirror) because
A)the signals are so weak in the radio region.
B)the wavelength of radio waves is much longer than the wavelengths of visible light.
C)radio telescopes are generally much smaller in diameter than optical telescopes.
D)it is very difficult to detect radio waves.
E)radio telescopes don't use solid mirrors.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The resolution of an observing instrument is determined by the wavelength of the radiation being detected and the size of the observing instrument. Radio waves have much longer wavelengths than visible light, so to achieve the same level of resolution as visible light observations, a radio telescope would need to be much larger in diameter than an optical telescope. Therefore, radio observations suffer from poorer resolution than optical observations even with the same size instrument.

Observations of Radio Waves from Astronomical Objects Suffer from Poorer