Suppose a reflecting telescope consists of a convex spherical mirror with a radius of curvature R =15.0 m and an eyepiece lens of focal length fe = 30.0 cm.What is the magnitude of the magnification of this telescope?
A)25
B)30
C)40
D)50

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The magnification (M) of a telescope is given by the ratio of the focal length of the objective (mirror) to the focal length of the eyepiece. For a reflecting telescope with a convex spherical mirror, the focal length (f) is R/2. Thus, f = 15.0 m / 2 = 7.5 m. The eyepiece has a focal length (fe) of 30.0 cm = 0.3 m. Therefore, M = f / fe = 7.5 m / 0.3 m = 25.

Suppose a Reflecting Telescope Consists of a Convex Spherical Mirror