Physics: Principles with Applications (7th Edition)

Published by Pearson
ISBN 10: 0-32162-592-7
ISBN 13: 978-0-32162-592-2

Chapter 25 - Optical Instruments - General Problems - Page 743: 87

Answer

2 m

Work Step by Step

Find the angular resolution using equation 25–7. $$\theta=\frac{1.22\lambda}{D}$$ The smallest feature resolvable, L, is that angle multiplied by the distance to the surface from the spy satellite, r. $$L=r \theta=\frac{1.22 r \lambda}{D}$$ $$D= \frac{1.22 r \lambda}{L}$$ $$1.22 \frac{(130000m)(550\times10^{-9}m)}{0.05m}$$ $$ = 1.74m\approx 2m$$
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