20090308

Astronomy quiz question: adaptive optics

Astronomy 210 Quiz 3, Spring Semester 2009
Cuesta College, San Luis Obispo, CA

Adaptive optics is used in modern optical telescopes to improve:
(A) light-gathering power.
(B) resolving power.
(C) magnifying power.
(D) the amount of radiation transmitted through the atmosphere.

Correct answer: (B)

The secondary mirror of an optical telescope can be "warped" in real-time in order to compensating for the poor seeing caused by atmospheric turbulence, thus increasing the effective resolving power.

Section 30676
(A) : 12 students
(B) : 32 students
(C) : 13 students
(D) : 5 students

"Success level": 56% (including partial credit for multiple-choice)
Discrimination index (Aubrecht & Aubrecht, 1983): 0.51

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1 comment:

  1. Patrick M. Len2:07 PM

    Astronomy 210 Quiz 3, Fall Semester 2010
    Cuesta College, San Luis Obispo, CA

    Section 70158
    (A) : 5 students
    (B) : 34 students
    (C) : 5 students
    (D) : 0 students

    "Success level": 75% (including partial credit for multiple-choice)
    Discrimination index (Aubrecht & Aubrecht, 1983): 0.60

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