Astrophysics (Optional) Flashcards
Why is a virtual image formed here?
The light rays do not pass through the point where the image forms (rays don’t converge)
Why do these two object appear the same size?
The angle subtended at the eye is the same
Generally what does a telescope need to do to magnify an object?
Increase the angle subtended at the eye
Copy the diagram and label:
- Angles α and β
- Focal lengths
- Focal points
- Two lens names
Copy the diagram and label:
- Where a real image forms
- Where a virtual image forms
Draw a labelled diagram of the refracting telescope in normal adjustment
Don’t forget the dotted construction line!
What is wrong here?
Rays from eyepiece lens must be parallel to dotted construction line
How is the length of a refracting telescope calculated?
Add the two focal lengths
How is angular magnification of a telescope calculated?
- What is chromatic aberration?
- Sketch a diagram to show it
Different wavelength’s refract different amounts
Focal point different for different colours
- What is spherical aberration?
- Sketch a diagram to show it
Refraction increases towards the edge of the lens
The focal point is different for rays passing through different parts of the lens, the rays aren’t focusing properly
What is the resolution of a telescope?
Ability to distinguish between two points separated by angle
The smaller the resolution the better
How many stars are seen?
2 because the stars are resolved
How many stars are seen?

1 because the stars aren’t resolved

How many times greater is this telescope’s collecting power?
4x
P proportional to SA
What is apparent magnitude (m)?
A measure of how bright a star appears in the sky
What is absolute magnitude (M)?
The apparent magnitude a star would have if it was 10 parsecs away
What is the Hipparcos scale?
Scale of apparent magnitude of 1 → 6
- 6 → naked eye limit (dimmest star)
- Each step = x2.51 (x(100)1/5
How does a 4th magnitude star compare to a 7th magnitude star?
3 magnitudes difference
So apparent magnitude (m) = 2.513 = 15.8 x brighter
(4th magnitude is brighter)
How could star B be bigger than star A?
Star B could be much further away
So appear dimmer from Earth
What does apparent magnitude correspond to?
The intensity of the star from the surface of the Earth
What does absolute magnitude correspond to?
The power output of the star
Define the lightyear
The distance light travels in a year
Define the parsec
Distance to star with parallax angle of 1”