Height of the image of Jupiter created by the objective lens

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Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around calculating the height of the image of Jupiter created by the objective lens of a telescope, utilizing given variables such as focal lengths and distances. The subject area includes optics and magnification principles.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Conceptual clarification, Mathematical reasoning

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants discuss the calculation of magnification and the height of the image based on the original diameter of Jupiter. There is an attempt to identify potential errors in approximations and the influence of the eyepiece's focal length on the results.

Discussion Status

Some participants have offered guidance regarding the inclusion of the eyepiece's focal length in the calculations. Others express uncertainty about how to adjust their approach while focusing on the requirements of the problem.

Contextual Notes

There is a specific emphasis on calculating lateral magnification as opposed to angular magnification, as the problem explicitly asks for the image created by the objective lens. Participants are navigating the constraints of the problem's requirements and their understanding of telescope optics.

Nathan B

Homework Statement


I have the following variables:
f = .93 m
f(e) (eyepiece) = .0082 m
distance toJupiter pj = 588 E^9
diameter of Jupiter dj = 139822 E^3

Find the height of the image of Jupiter created by the objective lens of a telescope.

Homework Equations


M = -q/p
q = f
Where M is the magnification, q is the image location, and p is the object location.

The Attempt at a Solution


This seems like a straight forward problem: find the magnification, multiply by the original diameter, and done:

M = -f / pj
dj2 = dj * f / pj = 139822 E^3 * .93 / 588 E^9 = 2.21 E^-4

According to my homework, this is incorrect and the correct answer is 2.07 E^-4
My answer is so close I figure I must be approximating something I shouldn't, but I can't figure out where I'm going wrong here.
 
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Nathan B said:
M = -f / pj
dj2 = dj * f / pj = 139822 E^3 * .93 / 588 E^9 = 2.21 E^-4

According to my homework, this is incorrect and the correct answer is 2.07 E^-4
My answer is so close I figure I must be approximating something I shouldn't, but I can't figure out where I'm going wrong here.

I don't think you are taking into account the focal length of the eyepiece itself. The focal length of the eyepiece has a small effect which is why you are so close to the answer. Just do the same calculations again taking into account the eyepiece.
 
lekh2003, how do you propose that I do that? I know I can get angular magnification from the eye piece, but I need lateral magnification and the problem specifically states that it wants the image made by the objective lens.
 
Nathan B said:
lekh2003, how do you propose that I do that? I know I can get angular magnification from the eye piece, but I need lateral magnification and the problem specifically states that it wants the image made by the objective lens.
I'm sorry, I don't know how telescopes work, but I'm going to take a guess here on what you need to do.

When the image of Jupiter passed through the original lens, you found the new height of Jupiter. I think you should just do the same thing again.

You know the height of Jupiter when the image hits the eyepiece and you know the magnification of the eyepiece, so you should have your equation ready to solve for the final height.

I hope this helps.
 

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