Question

Shown following are the primary mirror arrangements and total light-collecting area of five different telescopes. Each mirror uses a different segmented arrangement, but assume that they are all equivalent in quality and in their ability to focus light. Also assume that the telescopes use identical detectors and have the same observing conditions. Rank the telescopes from left to right based on their ability to detect very dim objects, from greatest to least. To rank two (or more) telescopes as equal, drag one on top of the other(s).

Answer 1

Greatest ability
(all options in the middle)
Least ability

The ability to detect the object depends on the surface area of the mirrors, given that the surface area is 100 m² for all the telescopes and the surface area for all the telescopes are equal. Hence, all the telescopes have equal ability to detect very dim objects, and all are placed in the same category.