Final answer:
Spatial resolution dictates the size of observable details in various objects or phenomena, determined by the wavelength of electromagnetic waves used. A 1 km resolution allows for the observation of small towns and airports, while 30 m resolution reveals individual trees or highway lanes. At less than 1 m resolution, features on a car or letters on a street sign become clear.
Step-by-step explanation:
The size of details observable in various objects or phenomena is closely related to the spatial resolution at which they can be seen. Spatial resolution, which refers to the smallest object one can discern, is often dictated by the wavelength of electromagnetic waves being used for observation. For example, radar can detect large objects like an airplane but may not be able to resolve individual rivets on the plane, due to its longer wavelengths compared to visible light.
At a spatial resolution of 1 km, observable phenomena may include landscapes such as the overall shape of a small town or the pattern of agricultural fields. For objects, large infrastructure such as airports or factories can be resolved.
When the resolution improves to 30 m, more detailed features come into view. One can distinguish individual trees in a forest or the lanes on a highway with this level of detail. At the scale of less than 1 m, we can observe much finer details. A person could note the distinct features on a car or even letters on a street sign.
The subject of the diffraction limit and the relationship between electromagnetic wave frequency and the resolution of details, such as those observable by different types of microscopy, is a critical concept in physics. The wavelength of visible light, which varies from about 380 to 760 nm, allows for the observation of details down to a certain limit. A standard optical microscope, influenced by light diffraction effects, can typically resolve objects no smaller than approximately 0.2 µm.