What is the smallest thing we can see? O smallest object that we can process with our eyes is limited to the size of the photoreceptor cells in the retina. In order for us to to distinguish any detail in an object, its image cannot be smaller cannot be smaller than a single retinal cell. Although the size depends on the type of cell (cone or rod), a diameter of of a few microns (mm) is common near the center of the eye. We should model the eye as a sphere 2.50 cm in diameter with a single slender lens in front and the retina behind, with photoreceptor cells 5.0 mm in diameter. (a) What is the smallest object object that you can perceive at a point near 25 cm? What angle is subtended by this object in the eye? Express your answer in units of minutes (1° 60 min) and compare it with the typical experimental value of about 1.0 min. (Note: there are other limitations, but we will ignore them here).
What is the smallest thing we can see? O
smallest object that we can process with our eyes is limited to the size of the photoreceptor cells in the retina. In order for us to
to distinguish any detail in an object, its image cannot be smaller
cannot be smaller than a single retinal cell. Although the size depends on the type of cell (cone or rod), a diameter of
of a few microns (mm) is common near the center of the eye.
We should model the eye as a sphere 2.50 cm in diameter with a single slender lens in front and the retina behind, with photoreceptor cells 5.0 mm in diameter. (a) What is the smallest object
object that you can perceive at a point near 25 cm?
What angle is subtended by this object in the eye? Express your
answer in units of minutes (1° 60 min) and compare it with
the typical experimental value of about 1.0 min. (Note:
there are other limitations, but we will ignore them here).
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