Question
Two concave lenses, of focal lengths 500 mm and 20 mm, are used in the construction of a telescope. Given any potential arrangement, what is the largest possible magnification the telescope may have?
  1. 100x
  2. 10,000x
  3. 25x
  4. 4x
Question by OpenStax is licensed under CC BY 4.0
Final Answer

(c)

Solution video

OpenStax College Physics for AP® Courses, Chapter 26, Problem 11 (Test Prep for AP® Courses)

OpenStax College Physics, Chapter 26, Problem 11 (AP) video thumbnail

In order to watch this solution you need to have a subscription.

Start free trial Log in
vote with a rating of votes with an average rating of .

Calculator Screenshots

  • OpenStax College Physics, Chapter 26, Problem 11 (AP) calculator screenshot 1
Video Transcript
This is College Physics Answers with Shaun Dychko. The angular magnification of a telescope is the ratio of the objective focal length to the eyepiece focal length. So, that's negative 500 millimeters divided by 20 millimeters, which is 25, so the answer is C.