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What is the resolving power of a telescope with a 41 cm primary lens

User Cook
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Final answer:

To calculate the resolving power of a telescope, use the formula θmin = 1.22 λ/D, plugging in the wavelength of light and the diameter of the telescope's lens.

Step-by-step explanation:

The resolving power of a telescope is determined by its ability to distinguish between two closely spaced objects. The key formula to calculate the resolving power or resolution limit θmin of a telescope is given by θmin = 1.22 λ/D, where λ is the wavelength of light and D is the diameter of the telescope's primary lens or mirror. To find the resolving power of a telescope with a 41 cm primary lens, we need to use 550 nm (convert to meters) for the wavelength of light, which is typically used in these calculations. So, θmin = 1.22 * (550e-9 m) / 0.41 m. Calculating this would give us the telescope's resolving power in radian units.

User Andrey Selitsky
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