Physics Lab Observation Sheet RESOLVING POWER OF TELESCOPE 2009-2010

PREPARED BY:

Mr. CHARIS ISRAEL ANCHA M.Sc., (Ph.D.)

Asst. Prof. of PHYSICS
Mob. No: +91-9866934653

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Physics Lab Observation Sheet RESOLVING POWER OF TELESCOPE 2009-2010
Exp. No: RESOLVING POWER OF TELESCOPE
Date:

Aim: To verify the expression for the Resolving Power of a Telescope.

Apparatus: Telescope, Micrometer Eye Piece, Measuring tape, Sodium vapor lamp, double slit.
Formulae:

d
1) The experimental value of the resolving power of telescope is θ = where ‘d’ is the separation
D
between the two slits and ‘D’ is the distance of the slit from the telescope.
λ
2) The theoretical value of the resolving power of telescope is θ = where ‘λ’ is the wavelength of the
a
source and ‘a’ is the width of the slit in just resolved position.

Figure: d
Micrometer Eye Piece

Telescope

Light Source D
Double Slit

Procedure:
1) The given double slit is fitted to a slit stand and place closer to the sodium vapor source, such that the
two slits are clearly visible from the telescope.
2) The telescope is placed at a distance of 1.5 meter from the double slit and fix the micrometer eye
piece to the objective of the telescope with its slit completely open.
3) Observing through the telescope adjust the focus using rock and pinion screw of the telescope so that
the two slits are clearly visible and decrease the width of the slit of the micrometer eyepiece slowly
till the two slits come closer and closer to attain the just resolved position. Note the readings of the
micrometer eye piece.
4) Further decrease the width of the adjustable slit such that the field of view becomes completely dark
and note the readings of the micrometer eye piece.
5) Repeat the steps 2, 3 and 4 by increasing the distance of the telescope in the steps of 50cm and
calculate the value of width of the slit in just resolved position ‘a’.

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Physics Lab Observation Sheet RESOLVING POWER OF TELESCOPE 2009-2010
Observations:
The separation between the slits of the double slit, d = ________mm.
The wave length of the given source of light, λ = _________m.
Least Count of the Micrometer Eye Piece:

distance moved on the main scale

Pitch of the Screw = mm = _________ mm.
no. of rotations of the screw
pitch of the screw
Least Count, L.C. = mm = ________ mm.
no. of divisions on the circular scale

Tabular: Determination of width of the slit in Just Resolved Position ‘a’:

Readings of Micrometer eye piece

Just resolved position Completely dark Width of
Distance ‘a’
S. the slit λ/a d/D
of in
No Telescope M.S.R C.S.R Total ‘X’ M.S.R C.S.R Total ‘Y’ a = X-Y x10-3 x10-3
a+(b x L.C.) a+(b x L.C.) meter
‘a’ ‘b’ ‘a’ ‘b’ mm
mm mm

1. 1.5m

2. 2m

3. 2.5m

4. 3m

Precautions:
1) The adjustable slit of the micrometer eye piece should be vertical.
2) The axis of the telescope should be horizontal and perpendicular to the plane of the double slit.
3) Both double slit and the telescope should exactly at the same height.
4) The just resolved position of the slits must be exactly located.

Result:
The values of λ/a and d/D at each distance are exactly matching. Hence the resolving power of the
telescope is verified.

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