Building a Telescope: Calculating Total Magnification & Length

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SUMMARY

The total magnification achievable with a telescope built from a 2x and a 5x magnifying lens is 10x. The 2x lens should be used as the objective due to its longer focal length and smaller magnification. To calculate the length of the telescope, the focal lengths of both lenses are required, but the specific focal lengths were not provided in the discussion. The expected length of the telescope is 55 cm, which can be derived from the relationship between the focal lengths of the lenses used.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of telescope magnification principles
  • Familiarity with focal lengths of lenses
  • Knowledge of the formula for total magnification (M = Fo/Fe)
  • Basic algebra for manipulating equations
NEXT STEPS
  • Research the relationship between focal length and magnification for telescopes
  • Learn how to derive focal lengths from magnification specifications
  • Explore the design considerations for building telescopes
  • Study the impact of lens quality on telescope performance
USEFUL FOR

Students in optics, amateur astronomers, and anyone interested in building or understanding telescopes and their magnification properties.

frostking
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Homework Statement


I need to build a telescope from two magnifying lens, one is 2x the other is 5x. First I need to give the total magnification possible, state which lens to use as the objective and finally to state the length of the telescope.


Homework Equations


l Ml = Fo/Fe total magnification is lM1l x lM2l Length = Focal length of objective + focal length of eyepiece


The Attempt at a Solution

The total possible magnification is 10X. I use the 2X for the objective because you need a long focal length and smaller magnification. I am stuck on how to get the length of the scope. I know the absolute value of M and can say that Fobjective is equal to lMl times F of eyepiece. But I don't have either focal length as far as I can tell and so I have no way to determine the length. I have the answer, so I know it should be 55 cm but why? Any help would be much appreciated. Frostking
 
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There's a formula that relates the magnification of a magnifying glass with its focal length. Do you know what it is?
 
Yes, silly me it is M = 25/F On exams we are only allowed to use formulas on our formula sheet or that can be derived from the formula sheet. This formula is NOT provided. I guess I will just have to memorize this and hope that it is allowed to be used on the final. Thanks and sorry for wasting your time. Frostking
 
This formula is valid for magnifying glass. You don't need it for telescope.
For a telescope the magnification is given by the ratio of the two focal lengths.
 
nasu said:
This formula is valid for magnifying glass. You don't need it for telescope.
For a telescope the magnification is given by the ratio of the two focal lengths.

Thanks so much. I will remember this and use it! Frostking
 
You don't need the formula for a telescope, but the specifications of the magnifying glasses are given. I can't see how you would find the ratio of the focal lengths without using these specifications.
 

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