The length of a telescope is 1.60 m and it has a magnification of 60.0.What is the focal length of the eyepiece?
A)2.62 cm
B)60.0 cm
C)100 cm
D)1.16 cm
E)96.0 cm

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The magnification (M) of a telescope is given by the formula M = f_o / f_e, where f_o is the focal length of the objective lens and f_e is the focal length of the eyepiece. The length of the telescope is approximately the sum of the focal lengths of the objective and the eyepiece, so L ≈ f_o + f_e. Given M = 60.0 and L = 1.60 m = 160 cm, we can set up the equations: 60 = f_o / f_e and f_o + f_e = 160. Solving these equations simultaneously, we find that f_e = 160 / (1 + 60) = 160 / 61 ≈ 2.62 cm.

The Length of a Telescope Is 1