The angular resolution of large Earth-bound visible-light telescopes is primaril

Question

The angular resolution of large Earth-bound visible-light telescopes is primarily limited by___
a) diffraction.
b) accuracy in grinding the mirror.
c) atmospheric turbulence.

In a single-slit diffraction experiment the intensity at the diffraction peak in the center of the screen is measured. Then the slit is doubled in width and the intensity measured again. Doubling the slit width will cause the intensity at the central peak to

increase by a factor of the square root of 2.
increase by a factor of 2.
increase by a factor of 4.
increase by a factor of 8.

For a circular aperture (as opposed to a slit) the angular half width of the central diffraction maximum is equal to

the radius of curvature.
the wavelength divided by the diameter of the aperture.
1.22 times the wavelength divided by the diameter of the aperture.
the square root of 2 times the wavelength divided by the diameter of the aperture.

Explanation / Answer

a) diffraction.

Related Questions

Navigate

• Browse (All)
• Browse T
• Subjects

---

---

Integrity-first tutoring: explanations and feedback only — we do not complete graded work. Learn more.