The resolving power is expressed as maximum angle α min between the two sources S1 and S2 . If λ is wavelength of of light and D is diameter of lens, then the resolving power is given by:

Correct answer: A. αmin≥1.22λ/D

  • A. αmin≥1.22λ/D
  • B. αm.λ/D
  • C. αmin 2.1 λ/D
  • D. αmin ≤1.22λ/D

Explanation

αmin ≥ 1.22λ/D. This is the correct expression for resolving power, known as Rayleigh's criterion, which states that the minimum resolvable angle is at least 1.22 times the wavelength divided by the diameter of the lens. Therefore, the correct option for the resolving power is "αmin ≥ 1.22λ/D."

This question appeared on the ETEA MDCAT 2009 paper, which you can sit online with every answer explained.

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