The angular resolution of the largest single-dish radio telescope in the United States, the 100-m Green Bank Telescope, is _________ when it operates at a wavelength of 20 cm.
A) 41 arcmin
B) 6.8 arcmin
C) 4.1 arcmin
D) 6.8 arcsec
E) 4.1 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) radians, which converts to approximately 6.8 arcmin.

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