Does a telescope magnify distant objects?

[Amith2006]

# An observer looks at a tree of height 15 meters with a telescope of magnifying power 10. How does the tree appear to the man?
I think the tree will appear to be 10 times taller. Is it right?

 

[Chi Meson]

Is that exactly how the question is stated?

In short, you are correct, but...

Telescope magnification is "angular magnification" not "linear magnification." A 10 X scope does not necessarily mean you will say "oh my god, that looks like a 150 meter tall tree!" You are more likely to have the impression that you are standing closer to the tree such that the subtended angle is increased ten times.

 

[Amith2006]

Is that exactly how the question is stated?

In short, you are correct, but...

Telescope magnification is "angular magnification" not "linear magnification." A 10 X scope does not necessarily mean you will say "oh my god, that looks like a 150 meter tall tree!" You are more likely to have the impression that you are standing closer to the tree such that the subtended angle is increased ten times.

The tree is at a large distance from the man. The telescope brings the image of the tree nearer. Can’t we call that feature of the telescope as magnification?