IB Physics HL C.3.11 Resolution and Rayleigh Criterion Question Bank

Practise IB Physics HL C.3.11 by solving Rayleigh and diffraction-resolution problems across telescopes, microscopes, gratings and imaging systems.

[Maximum number: 3]

This question is about the motion of a ship and observing objects from it.

A security camera on the ship captures an image of two green lamps on the shore. The lamps emit light of wavelength 520 nm .

Figure for Question C.3.11—Resolution and Rayleigh criterion question 1 — IB Physics HL

The camera has a circular aperture of diameter 6.2 mm . The lamps are separated by 1.5 m . Determine the maximum distance between the camera and the lamps at which the images of the lamps can be distinguished.

use of $\theta=\frac{1.22 \lambda}{d}$ ;
$\left(\frac{1.22 \times 520 \times 10^{-9}}{6.2 \times 10^{-3}}\right)=1.02 \times 10^{-4} ;$
distance $=\left(\frac{1.5}{1.02 \times 10^{-4}}=\right) 1.47 \times 10^{4} \mathrm{~m} ;$

Marking guidance:

Award [2 max] if distance is $1.79 \times 10^{4} m$ (ignoring factor of 1.22) in second marking point.

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C.3.11—Resolution and Rayleigh criterion question 1