A telescope is an optical instrument designed to observe distant objects by using lenses or mirrors, making them appear brighter and more detailed. It works by gathering and focusing light, with the objective lens forming a real image and the eyepiece magnifying it into a virtual image for observation. There are different types, such as refracting telescopes (which use two lenses) and terrestrial telescopes (similar to refracting ones but with an extra lens for upright images). Telescopes enhance visibility by increasing brightness, enabling us to see dim and faraway celestial objects, though they cannot make stars appear larger due to their vast distances.
What is a telescope, and what is it used for?
A telescope is an optical instrument used to observe distant objects, such as stars and planets, by gathering and focusing light using lenses or mirrors.
What is the difference between a compound microscope and a telescope?
A compound microscope is used to view very small objects with an objective lens having a smaller focal length than the eyepiece. In contrast, a telescope is used to observe distant objects, with the objective lens having a larger focal length than the eyepiece.
How does a refracting telescope work?
A refracting telescope uses two converging lenses. The objective lens forms a real image of the distant object, which the eyepiece magnifies into a virtual image for the observer.
What is the purpose of the objective lens in a telescope?
The objective lens gathers light from a distant object and forms a real image at its focal point.
Why can’t telescopes make stars appear bigger?
Stars are extremely far away, so their size cannot be magnified. However, telescopes make them appear brighter and bring dim stars into view by gathering more light.
What is the primary purpose of a telescope?
a) To magnify small objects
b) To observe distant objects
c) To measure distances in space
d) To focus light on a single point
Answer: b) To observe distant objects
In a refracting telescope, what does the objective lens do?
a) It forms a real image of the object.
b) It forms a virtual image of the object.
c) It magnifies the object.
d) It creates an inverted image.
Answer: a) It forms a real image of the object.
Which type of telescope has an additional lens to make the final image upright?
a) Refracting telescope
b) Terrestrial telescope
c) Reflecting telescope
d) Compound microscope
Answer: b) Terrestrial telescope
What happens to the brightness of stars when observed through a telescope?
a) They appear dimmer
b) They appear brighter
c) They appear larger
d) They disappear
Answer: b) They appear brighter
Why can’t a telescope make stars look bigger?
a) Because stars are too close
b) Because stars are too far away
c) Because stars have no size
d) Because telescopes only collect light
Answer: b) Because stars are too far away