Concept explainers
The diameter of the flash light beam when it reaches the Moon.
Answer to Problem 52P
Solution:
The diameter of the beam when it reaches the Moon is found to be
Explanation of Solution
When a powerful flash light is shone towards the Moon, the beam spreads out on the surface of the Moon due to diffraction. The angular half width of the Airy’s disk formed on the surface of the Moon is given by,
Where, the
If, the Earth- Moon distance is denoted by R and the diameter of the Airy’s disk is d then,
From the two equations, the diameter of the beam on the surface of the beam is given by,
Given:
The diameter of the aperture
Wavelength of light
Earth-Moon distance (from standard tables)
Formula used:
The diameter of the disk of the beam on the surface of the Moon is given by,
Calculation:
Substitute the given values in the expression for diameter and calculate the value.
Chapter 25 Solutions
Physics: Principles with Applications
Additional Science Textbook Solutions
An Introduction to Thermal Physics
Modern Physics
University Physics (14th Edition)
College Physics
Conceptual Physics (12th Edition)
Physics (5th 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