How does angular resolution for a given diameter of telescope depend on wavelength?
A) Angular resolution worsens as wavelength increases.
B) Angular resolution may improve or worsen as wavelength increases, depending on other factors such as intensity and spectral range (e.g., optical, infrared, radio).
C) Angular resolution improves as wavelength increases.
D) Angular resolution depends only on the diameter of the telescope and is independent of wavelength.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The angular resolution for a given diameter of telescope depends on the wavelength of the light being observed. The resolution is better for shorter wavelengths because they diffract less around the edges of the telescope. Therefore, as wavelength increases, angular resolution worsens.

How Does Angular Resolution for a Given Diameter of Telescope