alleryResolving power of telescope with aperture D and wavelength λ (Rayleigh criterion):
AD/λ
BλD
C1.22 λ/D (smallest angle that can be resolved)
DIndependent of λ
Answer & Solution
Correct answer: C. 1.22 λ/D (smallest angle that can be resolved)
**Rayleigh:** θ_min = 1.22 λ/D for circular aperture.
Larger D and shorter λ → finer resolution.
Why astronomers build huge telescopes and use shorter wavelengths (UV, X-ray) for higher resolution.
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