Physics Technology Update (4th Edition)

Published by Pearson
ISBN 10: 0-32190-308-0
ISBN 13: 978-0-32190-308-2

Chapter 28 - Physical Optics: Interference and Diffraction - Problems and Conceptual Exercises - Page 1007: 53

Answer

(a) dark cloudy day (b) I

Work Step by Step

(a) We know that $\theta_{min}=\frac{1.22\lambda}{D}$. This equation shows that the wider the pupil diameter, the smaller will be $\theta_{min}$ (higher resolution). Since the diameter of the pupil will be opened wider in the dark, hence the resolution of the eye will be increased and the eyes will have a greater resolution on a dark cloudy day. (b) We know that the best explanation is option (I) -- that is, your eyes have greater resolution on a cloudy day because your pupils are open wider to allow more light to enter the eye.
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