20101004

Astronomy quiz question: turbulence and seeing

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

What power of an optical telescope is most affected by turbulence in Earth's atmosphere?
(A) Light-gathering power.
(B) Resolving power.
(C) Magnifying power.
(D) (None of the above choices.)

Correct answer: (B)

Resolving power depends on the smallest angular size features that can be sharply imaged; due to atmospheric turbulence, these features are most affected by "twinkling."

Section 70160
(A) : 6 students
(B) : 33 students
(C) : 2 students
(D) : 0 students

Success level: 82% (including partial credit for multiple-choice)
Discrimination index (Aubrecht & Aubrecht, 1983): 0.04

1 comment:

Patrick M. Len said...

Astronomy 210 Midterm 1, Fall Semester 2010
Cuesta College, San Luis Obispo, CA

Section 70160
(A) : 5 students
(B) : 34 students
(C) : 1 student
(D) : 0 students

Success level: 86% (including partial credit for multiple-choice)
Discrimination index (Aubrecht & Aubrecht, 1983): 0.17