Asked in ETEA MDCAT 2009 2009Moderate

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."

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Light is studied through reflection, refraction, dispersion, interference, diffraction and polarization, linking ray behavior with its wave nature. Questions may involve mirrors, lenses, optical instruments, refractive index and image formation, while geometrical optics deals with rays and wave optics explains effects such as interference and diffraction.

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