Angular magnification what is angle subtended?

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the concept of angular magnification in the context of simple microscopes, specifically focusing on the angles subtended at the eye when using the instrument versus without it. Participants explore the definitions and implications of these angles in relation to the measurements involved.

Discussion Character

  • Conceptual clarification, Debate/contested

Main Points Raised

  • One participant states that the angular magnification is the ratio of the angle subtended at the eye when using the instrument to the angle without it, questioning how the subtended angle is determined.
  • Another participant challenges the first participant's understanding of the angles involved, asserting that there is no difference between the angles θ and α, and questions the assumption that θ could be negligible.
  • A later reply confirms the belief that the angle measured farther out is larger than the angle measured close to the vertex, indicating a potential misunderstanding of angle measurement.
  • One participant acknowledges the clarification provided by the image discussed, noting that it illustrates the lack of difference between θ and α.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express differing views on the interpretation of the angles involved in angular magnification, with no consensus reached on the understanding of angle measurement or the significance of the angles θ and α.

Contextual Notes

Participants do not fully resolve the implications of angle measurement in this context, and there are indications of misunderstandings regarding the definitions and relationships between the angles discussed.

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In case of simple microscope .we take angular magnification
I know The angular magnification of an instrument is the ratio of the angle subtended at the eye when using the instrument divided by the angular size without the instrument
But what I am not getting is how this subtended angle is taken?
For example in the image below
angel subtended.png

Is it because this angle theta is negligible (nearly zero)
 
Last edited:
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In your picture you ask "why can't we take the angle \theta as the angle subtended rather than \alpha?". But I see NO difference between "\theta" and "\alpha". You also say "Is it because this angle theta is negligible (nearly 0)".<br /> <br /> Are you possibly thinking that the angle, measured farther out, is larger than the angle measured close to the vertex? If so, then you do not what "angle measure" <b>means</b>!
 
HallsofIvy said:
Are you possibly thinking that the angle, measured farther out, is larger than the angle measured close to the vertex?
Yes.
 
HallsofIvy said:
"angle measure" means!
Hmm... I got you point.This picture greatly explains that there is n difference between difference between "θ" and ",alpha
 

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    angle measure.png
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