What's the relation between angular resolution and distance

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Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around the concept of angular resolution in the context of a telescope's ability to distinguish between two objects, specifically when imaging the moon. The original poster attempts to understand the relationship between angular resolution and distance, having calculated the angular resolution using a specific formula.

Discussion Character

  • Conceptual clarification, Assumption checking

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants explore the relationship between angular resolution and the distance at which two objects can be distinguished. Questions arise regarding the conversion of angular measurements to physical distances and the implications of angular separation.

Discussion Status

The discussion is ongoing, with participants providing links to external resources and questioning the original poster's understanding of angular measurements. There is an exploration of how angular resolution relates to physical distance, but no consensus has been reached.

Contextual Notes

Participants note the challenge of converting angular measurements directly to meters and emphasize the need to consider angular separation in relation to distance from the observer.

Cocoleia
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Homework Statement


At first I needed to calculate the angular resolution of a telescope (diameter 1m, for visible light) so I used θ=1.22λ/D and got 4.88x10^-7 rad. Now I am asked: "If we wished to use this telescope to image the moon, what is the closest distance two objects can be to be distinguished by such a telescope?"
I don't understand what the relationship between angular resolution and distance is.

Homework Equations



θ=1.22λ/D
 
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Cocoleia said:
Is it just a matter of converting my answer to meters?
You cannot "convert" radians to metres.
If two points on the moon are distance x apart, what is their angular separation when viewed from Earth?
 

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