Calculating Angular Size of Moon with Telescope

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Homework Help Overview

The problem involves calculating the angular diameter of the moon as observed through a telescope, given specific measurements of the telescope's focal lengths and the distances involved. The subject area pertains to optics and angular measurements in astronomy.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Assumption checking

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants discuss the initial calculation of angular size and question the certainty of the proposed answer. They explore the need for additional calculations, such as the angular diameter of the moon without the telescope and the telescope's magnification.

Discussion Status

The discussion is ongoing, with participants seeking clarification and further exploration of the problem. Some guidance has been offered regarding the need to show work for confirmation of answers, and questions have been raised to deepen understanding.

Contextual Notes

Participants are encouraged to provide their calculations and reasoning, indicating a collaborative effort to verify the proposed solution. There is an emphasis on understanding the underlying concepts rather than simply arriving at an answer.

A B C
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Homework Statement



The moon is observed using a telescope that has an objective lens with a focal length of 3.0 m and an eyepiece with a focal length of 7.5 cm. What is the angular diameter of the moon if the earth-moon distance is 3.85 × 108 m and the diameter of the moon is 3.48 × 106 m?
(a) 0.36 rad (c) 9.0 rad (e) 40 rad
(b) 4.7 rad (d) 22 rad


Homework Equations



0 = ho / do


The Attempt at a Solution



0 : the angular size.
ho: the high of the object
do: the distance of the object
 
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Hello A B C,

What do you think?
 
collinsmark said:
Hello A B C,

What do you think?

I think it's 0.36 rad, but I'm not sure
 
A B C said:
I think it's 0.36 rad, but I'm not sure

Fair enough. :smile: But if you want us to confirm, you'll have to show us your work. :cool:

Let me ask you,
(i) What's the angular diameter of the moon without the telescope?
(ii) What's the telescope's magnification?
(iii) Are you more sure of your answer after finding (i) and (ii)? :wink:
 

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