Recall from class that the resolution is limited due to the nature of light. More specifically, since light diffracts as it goes through a small opening, it becomes difficult to differentiate two light sources when the diffraction central peak from one source overlaps with the first minimum of the second source, as shown in the figure below. (a) The pupil of the human eye has an aperture of around 5mm, and visible light has wavelengths peaked around 500nm. Estimate the angular resolution of the human eye (that is, the smallest angle for which you could distinguish that light was coming from two different directions). (b) Suppose two point sources of light were separated by a distance x, and you are standing one meter away from them. Estimate the smallest distance x for which you could tell that there were two point sources (rather than just one).
Recall from class that the resolution is limited due to the nature of light. More specifically, since light diffracts as it goes through a small opening, it becomes difficult to differentiate two light sources when the diffraction central peak from one source overlaps with the first minimum of the second source, as shown in the figure below. (a) The pupil of the human eye has an aperture of around 5mm, and visible light has wavelengths peaked around 500nm. Estimate the angular resolution of the human eye (that is, the smallest angle for which you could distinguish that light was coming from two different directions). (b) Suppose two point sources of light were separated by a distance x, and you are standing one meter away from them. Estimate the smallest distance x for which you could tell that there were two point sources (rather than just one).
Chapter9: Optics
Section: Chapter Questions
Problem 11Q
Related questions
Question
100%
Recall from class that the resolution is limited due to the nature of light. More specifically, since light diffracts as it goes through a small opening, it becomes difficult to differentiate two light sources when the diffraction central peak from one source overlaps with the first minimum of the second source, as shown in the figure below.
(a) The pupil of the human eye has an aperture of around 5mm, and visible light has wavelengths peaked around 500nm. Estimate the angular resolution of the human eye (that is, the smallest angle for which you could distinguish that light was coming from two different directions).
(b) Suppose two point sources of light were separated by a distance x, and you are standing one meter away from them. Estimate the smallest distance x for which you could tell that there were two point sources (rather than just one).
Transcribed Image Text:9. Recall from class that the resolution is limited due to the nature of light. More specifically,
since light diffracts as it goes through a small opening, it becomes difficult to differentiate
two light sources when the diffraction central peak from one source overlaps with the first
minimum of the second source, as shown in the figure below.
The angle subtended by the
sources at the slit is large
enough for the diffraction
patterns to be distinguishable.
S₁
4
0
S2
Slit
Viewing screen
S₁
The angle subtended by the
sources is so small that their
diffraction patterns overlap, and
the images are not well resolved.
Slit Viewing screen
(a) The pupil of the human eye has an aperture of around 5mm, and visible light has
wavelengths peaked around 500nm. Estimate the angular resolution of the human
eye (that is, the smallest angle for which you could distinguish that light was coming
from two different directions).
(b) Suppose two point sources of light were separated by a distance x, and you are
standing one meter away from them. Estimate the smallest distance x for which you
could tell that there were two point sources (rather than just one).
Expert Solution
This question has been solved!
Explore an expertly crafted, step-by-step solution for a thorough understanding of key concepts.
Step by step
Solved in 3 steps
Knowledge Booster
Learn more about
Need a deep-dive on the concept behind this application? Look no further. Learn more about this topic, physics and related others by exploring similar questions and additional content below.Recommended textbooks for you
University Physics Volume 3
Physics
ISBN:
9781938168185
Author:
William Moebs, Jeff Sanny
Publisher:
OpenStax
Physics for Scientists and Engineers: Foundations…
Physics
ISBN:
9781133939146
Author:
Katz, Debora M.
Publisher:
Cengage Learning
University Physics Volume 3
Physics
ISBN:
9781938168185
Author:
William Moebs, Jeff Sanny
Publisher:
OpenStax
Physics for Scientists and Engineers: Foundations…
Physics
ISBN:
9781133939146
Author:
Katz, Debora M.
Publisher:
Cengage Learning
Principles of Physics: A Calculus-Based Text
Physics
ISBN:
9781133104261
Author:
Raymond A. Serway, John W. Jewett
Publisher:
Cengage Learning