Question

A large reflecting telescope has an objective mirror with a 10.0 m radius of curvature. What angular magnification does it produce when a 3.00 cm focal length eyepiece is used? Group of answer choices

Answer 1

The angular magnification produced by the telescope is approximately 666.67.

Step-by-step explanation:

The angular magnification produced by a telescope can be calculated using the formula:

Angular Magnification (M) = - (Focal Length of Objective) / (Focal Length of Eyepiece)

Given that the focal length of the objective mirror is twice the radius of curvature (f = 2 * R), and the focal length of the eyepiece is 3.00 cm, we can substitute these values into the formula:

Focal Length of Objective (f_obj) = 2 * 10.0 m = 20.0 m

Focal Length of Eyepiece (f_eyepiece) = 3.00 cm = 0.03 m

Angular Magnification (M) = - (20.0 m) / (0.03 m) ≈ -666.67

Since angular magnification is a ratio, it's typically expressed without a negative sign. So, the angular magnification produced by the telescope is approximately 666.67.