The resolving power of a telescope is increased by
- A. increasing the magnification only
- B. increasing the diameter of its objective lens or mirror
- C. using a longer eyepiece
- D. using light of longer wavelength
Explanation
Resolution is limited by diffraction at the aperture, so a larger objective produces a smaller diffraction disc and separates closer objects, which is the main reason research telescopes are built so large. Magnification without resolution simply enlarges a blur. A shorter wavelength also improves resolution, which is why ultraviolet and electron imaging outperform visible light.
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