Final answer:
The visibility range for high beams depends on light intensity, human eye resolution, and environmental conditions. The maximum distance to resolve two headlights at 1.3 meters apart relates to the individual's pupil diameter and the Rayleigh criterion.
Step-by-step explanation:
The distance at which high beams let us see is based on the concept that light intensity diminishes with the square of the distance from the source. In other words, if you are twice as far from a light source, it will appear four times less bright. This principle applies to vehicle headlights when driving at night. The resolution of the human eye, the spread of the light beam, and environmental conditions such as fog or rain all influence how far high beams allow us to see.
When considering the maximum distance at which the eye can resolve two headlights, we must consider the Rayleigh criterion, which relates to the pupil diameter of the eye. For example, with a pupil diameter of 0.40 cm, under perfect conditions, without any other light interference or atmospheric disturbances, and assuming average human eyesight, the maximum distance at which an individual could resolve two points (such as two headlights) that are 1.3 meters apart would be calculated based on this optical resolution limit.