The resolution of a telescope is ultimately limited by the

Chapter 28, Problem 61P

(choose chapter or problem)

Problem 61P

The resolution of a telescope is ultimately limited by the diameter of its objective lens or mirror. A typical amateur astronomer's telescope may have a 6.0-in.-diameter mirror.

(a) What is the minimum angular separation (in arc seconds) of two stars that can be resolved with a 6.0-in. scope? (Take λ to be at the center of the visible spectrum, about 550 run, and see Problem 57 for the definition of an arc second.)

(b) What is the minimum distance (in km) between two points on the Moon's surface that can be resolved by a 6.0-in. scope? (Note: The average distance from Earth to the Moon is 384,400 km.)