University Physics with Modern Physics (14th Edition)

Published by Pearson
ISBN 10: 0321973615
ISBN 13: 978-0-32197-361-0

Chapter 36 - Diffraction - Problems - Discussion Questions - Page 1211: Q36.12

Answer

Ultraviolet radiation.

Work Step by Step

Ultraviolet light has a shorter wavelength than visible light. As explained on page 1205, equation 36.17 shows the minimum angular distance between 2 sources that can be resolved: $\theta = sin^{-1}1.22\frac{\lambda}{D}$. A smaller angular distance means higher/better resolving power, so using a short wavelength is desirable. In other words, when this short wavelength radiation passes through the apertures in Hubble’s instruments, the central maximum will be narrower and a higher resolution is attainable.
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