Concept explainers
Two stars 18 light-years away are barely resolved by a 66-cm (mirror diameter) telescope. How far apart are the stars? Assume λ= 550 nm and that the resolution is limited by diffraction.
The distance between two stars which are barely resolved by the telescope
Answer to Problem 50P
Solution:
The stars are apart from each other.
Explanation of Solution
The image of a point object spreads out in the form of a disk due to diffraction effects. Two objects when viewed through a telescope appear to be just resolved, if the central maximum of one of the diffraction pattern of one object just falls on the first minimum of the other. This criterion of resolution is called Rayleigh’s criterion for resolution.
The angular resolution is given by,
If the stars which are apart by a distance xare at a distance s from the Earth then,
Given:
The diameter of the mirror
Wavelength of the light
The distance of the stars from Earth
Formula:
Angular resolution limit due to diffraction is given by,
The distance between the stars is given by,
Calculation:
Substitute the given values of diameter and wavelength in the expression and calculate the angular resolution.
Calculate the separation of the stars using the expression,
Express the distance x in m.
Chapter 25 Solutions
Physics: Principles with Applications
Additional Science Textbook Solutions
University Physics with Modern Physics (14th Edition)
Sears And Zemansky's University Physics With Modern Physics
Life in the Universe (4th Edition)
Introduction to Electrodynamics
The Cosmic Perspective Fundamentals (2nd Edition)
University Physics (14th Edition)
- College PhysicsPhysicsISBN:9781305952300Author:Raymond A. Serway, Chris VuillePublisher:Cengage LearningUniversity Physics (14th Edition)PhysicsISBN:9780133969290Author:Hugh D. Young, Roger A. FreedmanPublisher:PEARSONIntroduction To Quantum MechanicsPhysicsISBN:9781107189638Author:Griffiths, David J., Schroeter, Darrell F.Publisher:Cambridge University Press
- Physics for Scientists and EngineersPhysicsISBN:9781337553278Author:Raymond A. Serway, John W. JewettPublisher:Cengage LearningLecture- Tutorials for Introductory AstronomyPhysicsISBN:9780321820464Author:Edward E. Prather, Tim P. Slater, Jeff P. Adams, Gina BrissendenPublisher:Addison-WesleyCollege Physics: A Strategic Approach (4th Editio...PhysicsISBN:9780134609034Author:Randall D. Knight (Professor Emeritus), Brian Jones, Stuart FieldPublisher:PEARSON