Question

Define the term 'resolving power of a telescope'. How will the resolving power be effected with the increase in
(i) Wavelength of light used.
(ii) Diameter of the objective lens.

Answer 1

The resolving power of an astronomical telescope is defined as the reciprocal of the smallest angular separation between two point objects whose images can just be resolved by the telescope.

`R.P = (1.22lambda)/D`

With the increase in wavelength of light, the resolving power increases whereas, with the increase in the diameter of the lens, the resolving power decreases.