How much more light can a telescope with a 14-inch diameter mirror gather compared with a 4-inch diameter telescope?

College Physics
11th Edition
ISBN:9781305952300
Author:Raymond A. Serway, Chris Vuille
Publisher:Raymond A. Serway, Chris Vuille
Chapter1: Units, Trigonometry. And Vectors
Section: Chapter Questions
Problem 1CQ: Estimate the order of magnitude of the length, in meters, of each of the following; (a) a mouse, (b)...
icon
Related questions
Question
**Title: Comparing Light Gathering Abilities of Telescopes**

**Text:**

How much more light can a telescope with a 14-inch diameter mirror gather compared with a 4-inch diameter telescope?

**Explanation:**

When comparing telescopes of different sizes, one key factor is the light-gathering ability, which depends on the area of the mirror or lens. The amount of light gathered by a circular mirror or lens is proportional to the area of the circle, which is calculated using the formula:

\[ \text{Area} = \pi \times \left(\frac{\text{diameter}}{2}\right)^2 \]

For a 14-inch diameter mirror:

\[ \text{Area}_{14} = \pi \times \left(\frac{14}{2}\right)^2 = \pi \times 49 \]

For a 4-inch diameter mirror:

\[ \text{Area}_{4} = \pi \times \left(\frac{4}{2}\right)^2 = \pi \times 4 \]

To find how much more light a 14-inch telescope can gather compared to a 4-inch telescope, we calculate the ratio of their areas:

\[ \text{Ratio} = \frac{\text{Area}_{14}}{\text{Area}_{4}} = \frac{\pi \times 49}{\pi \times 4} = \frac{49}{4} = 12.25 \]

Thus, a telescope with a 14-inch diameter mirror can gather 12.25 times more light than a 4-inch diameter telescope. 

This significant increase in light-gathering ability allows for better observation of faint celestial objects and more detailed views of the night sky.
Transcribed Image Text:**Title: Comparing Light Gathering Abilities of Telescopes** **Text:** How much more light can a telescope with a 14-inch diameter mirror gather compared with a 4-inch diameter telescope? **Explanation:** When comparing telescopes of different sizes, one key factor is the light-gathering ability, which depends on the area of the mirror or lens. The amount of light gathered by a circular mirror or lens is proportional to the area of the circle, which is calculated using the formula: \[ \text{Area} = \pi \times \left(\frac{\text{diameter}}{2}\right)^2 \] For a 14-inch diameter mirror: \[ \text{Area}_{14} = \pi \times \left(\frac{14}{2}\right)^2 = \pi \times 49 \] For a 4-inch diameter mirror: \[ \text{Area}_{4} = \pi \times \left(\frac{4}{2}\right)^2 = \pi \times 4 \] To find how much more light a 14-inch telescope can gather compared to a 4-inch telescope, we calculate the ratio of their areas: \[ \text{Ratio} = \frac{\text{Area}_{14}}{\text{Area}_{4}} = \frac{\pi \times 49}{\pi \times 4} = \frac{49}{4} = 12.25 \] Thus, a telescope with a 14-inch diameter mirror can gather 12.25 times more light than a 4-inch diameter telescope. This significant increase in light-gathering ability allows for better observation of faint celestial objects and more detailed views of the night sky.
Expert Solution
trending now

Trending now

This is a popular solution!

steps

Step by step

Solved in 2 steps

Blurred answer
Similar questions
Recommended textbooks for you
College Physics
College Physics
Physics
ISBN:
9781305952300
Author:
Raymond A. Serway, Chris Vuille
Publisher:
Cengage Learning
University Physics (14th Edition)
University Physics (14th Edition)
Physics
ISBN:
9780133969290
Author:
Hugh D. Young, Roger A. Freedman
Publisher:
PEARSON
Introduction To Quantum Mechanics
Introduction To Quantum Mechanics
Physics
ISBN:
9781107189638
Author:
Griffiths, David J., Schroeter, Darrell F.
Publisher:
Cambridge University Press
Physics for Scientists and Engineers
Physics for Scientists and Engineers
Physics
ISBN:
9781337553278
Author:
Raymond A. Serway, John W. Jewett
Publisher:
Cengage Learning
Lecture- Tutorials for Introductory Astronomy
Lecture- Tutorials for Introductory Astronomy
Physics
ISBN:
9780321820464
Author:
Edward E. Prather, Tim P. Slater, Jeff P. Adams, Gina Brissenden
Publisher:
Addison-Wesley
College Physics: A Strategic Approach (4th Editio…
College Physics: A Strategic Approach (4th Editio…
Physics
ISBN:
9780134609034
Author:
Randall D. Knight (Professor Emeritus), Brian Jones, Stuart Field
Publisher:
PEARSON