9.

1. [1 mark]

Two points illuminated by monochromatic light are separated by a small distance. The light from the
two sources passes through a small circular aperture and is detected on a screen far away.

Two points illuminated by monochromatic light are separated by a small distance. The light from the
two sources passes through a small circular aperture and is detected on a screen far away.

Markscheme

2. [1 mark]

1
 A diffraction grating is used to observe light of wavelength 400 nm. The light illuminates 100 slits of the
grating. What is the minimum wavelength difference that can be resolved when the second order of
diffraction is viewed?

A. 1 nm

B. 2 nm

C. 4 nm

D. 8 nm

Markscheme

3a. [6 marks]

Police use radar to detect speeding cars. A police officer stands at the side of the road and points a radar
device at an approaching car. The device emits microwaves which reflect off the car and return to the
device. A change in frequency between the emitted and received microwaves is measured at the radar
device.

The frequency change Δf is given by

where f is the transmitter frequency, v is the speed of the car and c is the wave speed.

The following data are available.

Transmitter frequency

= 40 GHz Δ

= 9.5 kHz Maximum speed allowed = 28 m s

–1

2
(i) Explain the reason for the frequency change.

(ii) Suggest why there is a factor of 2 in the frequency-change equation.

(iii) Determine whether the speed of the car is below the maximum speed allowed.

Markscheme

i
mention of Doppler effect
OR
«relative» motion between source and observer produces frequency/wavelength change
Accept answers which refer to a double frequency shift.
Award [0] if there is any suggestion that the wave speed is changed in the process.

the reflected waves come from an approaching “source”

OR
the incident waves strike an approaching “observer”

increased frequency received «by the device or by the car»

ii
the car is a moving “observer” and then a moving “source”, so the Doppler effect occurs twice
OR
the reflected radar appears to come from a “virtual image” of the device travelling at 2 v towards the
device

iii
ALTERNATIVE 1
For both alternatives, allow ecf to conclusion if v OR Δf are incorrectly calculated.

v=« » 36 «ms–1»

«36> 28» so car exceeded limit

There must be a sense of a conclusion even if numbers are not quoted.

3
 ALTERNATIVE 2
reverse argument using speed limit.

« » 7500 «Hz»

« 9500> 7500» so car exceeded limit

There must be a sense of a conclusion even if numbers are not quoted.

3b. [2 marks]

Airports use radar to track the position of aircraft. The waves are reflected from the aircraft and
detected by a large circular receiver. The receiver must be able to resolve the radar images of two
aircraft flying close to each other.

The following data are available.

Diameter of circular radar receiver = 9.3 m Wavelength of radar = 2.5 cm Distance of two aircraft from
the airport = 31 km

Calculate the minimum distance between the two aircraft when their images can just be resolved.

Markscheme

Award [2] for a bald correct answer.

Award [1 max] for POT error.

100 «m»
Award [1 max] for 83m (omits 1.22).

4. [1 mark]

Which of the following experiments provides evidence for the existence of matter waves?

A. Scattering of alpha particles

B. Electron diffraction

C. Gamma decay

D. Photoelectric effect

4
 Markscheme

5. [1 mark]

A radio telescope has a circular collecting dish of diameter 5.0 m. It is used to observe two distant
galaxies that are both emitting electromagnetic radiation of wavelength 20 cm. The images of the
galaxies are just resolved by the telescope. What is the angle subtended by the galaxies at the telescope?

A. 0.05 rad

B. 0.3 rad

C. 5 rad

D. 30 rad

Markscheme

6a. [2 marks]

This question is about diffraction and resolution.

Monochromatic light is incident normally on a single narrow slit and gives rise to a diffraction pattern
on a screen.

Sketch, for the diffraction pattern produced, a graph showing the variation of the relative intensity of
the light with the angle measured from the centre of the slit.

5
 Markscheme

large central peak and at least one subsidiary maximum on each side;

minima have intensity of zero and intensity of secondary maxima at most 25 % of central maximum; }
(judge by eye)

6b. [3 marks]

The single narrow slit is replaced by a double narrow slit. Explain, with reference to your answer to (a),
how the Rayleigh criterion applies to the diffraction patterns produced by the light emerging from the
two slits.

Markscheme

explanation of resolving – seeing images as being from separate objects;

idea of diffraction patterns overlapping;

central maximum being at least as far from companion as the first minimum;

Marking points may be seen on graph in (a).

Marking points may be seen from diffraction pattern showing resultant intensity from two sources with a
slight dip in the centre.

6c. [2 marks]

Two lamps emit light of wavelength 620 nm. The lights are observed through a circular aperture of
diameter 1.5 mm from a distance of 850 m. Calculate the minimum distance between the lamps so that
they are resolved.

6
 Markscheme

equating to ;

0.43 (m);

7. [1 mark]

The graph below shows the variation of the intensity of light with angle for the diffraction pattern
produced when light is diffracted by a slit.

According to the Rayleigh criterion, when the diffraction patterns of two slits are just resolved

7
 A. the first maximum of one diffraction pattern coincides with the central maximum of the other
diffraction pattern.

B. the central maximum of one diffraction pattern coincides with the central maximum of the other
diffraction pattern.

C. the first minimum of one diffraction pattern coincides with the central maximum of the other
diffraction pattern.

D. the first minimum of one diffraction pattern coincides with the first minimum of the other diffraction
pattern.

Markscheme

8. [1 mark]

Green light is emitted by two point sources. The light passes through a narrow slit and is received by an
observer. The images of the two sources just fail to be resolved. Which change allows for the images to
be resolved?

A. Replacing the narrow slit with a circular aperture of same size.

B. Moving the two sources further from the aperture.

C. Using red light.

D. Using violet light.

Markscheme

9a. [3 marks]

This question is about the motion of a ship and observing objects from it.

A security camera on the ship captures an image of two green lamps on the shore. The lamps emit light
of wavelength 520 nm.

8
 The camera has a circular aperture of diameter 6.2 mm. The lamps are separated by 1.5 m. Determine
the maximum distance between the camera and the lamps at which the images of the lamps can be
distinguished.

Markscheme

use of ;

distance ;

Award [2 max] if distance is (ignoring factor of 1.22) in second marking point.

9b. [2 marks]

The sailors on the ship wear polarized sunglasses when observing the sea from the ship. Unpolarized
light from the Sun is incident on the sea.

Describe the polarization of the sunlight that is reflected from the sea.

Markscheme

partially/partly;

plane/horizontally polarized;

9c. [3 marks]

Outline how polarized sunglasses help to reduce glare from the sea.

Markscheme

the light from the sea is (predominantly) horizontally polarized;

the sunglasses are arranged to admit a particular/vertical plane of polarization;

9
 hence polarized sunglasses absorb much of the reflected light/glare;

10. [4 marks]

This question is about diffraction and resolution.

Two identical sources of electromagnetic radiation, S1 and S2, emit monochromatic coherent waves of
wavelength 59 μm. The waves pass through a circular aperture and are incident on a screen.

S1 and S2 are at the same distance from the aperture. The diameter of the aperture is 0.18 mm. The
angle between the lines joining the sources to the aperture is 0.25 rad.

S1 is turned on and S2 is turned off.

(i) Show that the angle at which the first minimum of the diffraction pattern occurs is 0.40 rad.

(ii) On the axes below, sketch a graph to show how the intensity I of the radiation from S1 varies with
the diffraction angle θ.

10
 Markscheme

(i) ;
(=0.40rad)

(ii) central symmetrical maximum;

at least one secondary maximum on each side, no more than one third the height of the central
maximum; (judge by eye)
minima drawn to zero, ie touching axis at θ=±0.40 (and ±0.80);

11a. [5 marks]

This question is about standing waves and the Doppler effect.

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 The horn of a train can be modeled as a pipe with one open end and one closed end. The speed of sound
in air is 330ms–1.

On leaving the station, the train blows its horn. Both the first harmonic and the next highest harmonic
are produced by the horn. The difference in frequency between the harmonics emitted by the horn is
measured as 820 Hz.

(i) Deduce that the length of the horn is about 0.20 m.

(ii) Show that the frequency of the first harmonic is about 410 Hz.

Markscheme

(i) , ;

;
(L=0.20m)

(ii) ;

This is a question testing units for this option. Do not award second marking point for an incorrect or
missing unit.

11b. [4 marks]

(i) Describe what is meant by the Doppler effect.

12
 (ii) The train approaches a stationary observer at a constant velocity of 50ms –1 and sounds its horn at
the same frequency as in (a)(ii). Calculate the frequency of the sound as measured by the observer.

Markscheme

(i) a change in the observed frequency/wavelength of a wave;

when there is relative motion of observer and source;

(ii) ;

;
Allow ECF from (a)(ii).

12a. [2 marks]

This question is about resolution and polarization.

State the Rayleigh criterion.

Markscheme

for the images (of two sources) just to be resolved/distinguished/seen as separate;

central maximum of one diffraction pattern must coincide with first minimum of second / OWTTE;

Accept a suitably drawn diagram for the second marking point.

12b. [3 marks]

A ship sails towards two stone towers built on land.

Emlyn, who is on the ship, views the towers. The pupils of Emlyn’s eyes are each of diameter 2.0 mm.
The average wavelength of the sunlight is 550 nm.

(i) Calculate the angular separation of the two towers when the images of the towers are just resolved
by Emlyn.

13
 (ii) Emlyn can just resolve the images of the two towers when his distance from the towers is 11 km.
Determine the distance between the two towers.

Markscheme

(i) or 0.019°;

(ii) ;

Award [2] for a bald correct answer.

12c. [2 marks]

Emlyn puts on a pair of polarizing sunglasses. Explain how these sunglasses reduce the intensity of the
light, reflected from the sea, that enters Emlyn’s eyes.

Markscheme

reflected light is (partially) polarized parallel to sea surface/horizontally polarized;

sunglasses have a transmission axis at 90° to reflected light/vertical transmission axis;

13a. [2 marks]

Part 2 The Doppler effect and optical resolution

The Doppler effect can be used to deduce that a particular star X is moving towards Earth.

Describe what is meant by the Doppler effect.

Markscheme

the observed change in frequency/wavelength of a wave;

emitted by a source moving away from or towards/relative to the observer;

13b. [4 marks]

One of the lines in the spectrum of atomic hydrogen has a frequency of 4.6×10 16Hz as measured in the
laboratory. The same line in the spectrum of star X is observed on Earth to be shifted by 1.3×10 12Hz.

(i) State the direction of the observed frequency shift.

14
 (ii) Determine the speed at which X is moving towards Earth stating any assumption that you have
made.

Markscheme

(i) a blue-shift / towards the blue end of the spectrum / to a higher frequency / OWTTE;

(ii) ;
8.5×103ms-1;
assume that the speed is very much less than speed of light;

13c. [5 marks]

The star X has a companion star Y. The distance from Earth to the stars is 1.0×10 18m. The images of X
and Y are just resolved according to the Rayleigh criterion by a telescope on Earth with a circular
eyepiece lens of diameter 5.0×10–2m.

(i) State what is meant by the statement “just resolved according to the Rayleigh criterion”.

(ii) The average wavelength of the light emitted by the stars is 4.8×10 –7m. Determine the separation of X
and Y.

Markscheme

(i) the two stars are (just) seen as separate images;

if the central maximum of the diffraction image of one star coincides with the first minimum of the
diffraction image of the other star / OWTTE;
Accept an appropriate diagram for second marking point.

(ii) or 1.17×10-5rad;

;
(d=)1.2×10 m; 13

Award [2 max] if 1.22 is missing, giving an answer of 0.98×1013.

14a. [3 marks]

This question is about resolution.

Two point sources S1 and S2 emit monochromatic light of the same wavelength. The light is incident on a
small aperture A and is then brought to focus on a screen.

15
The images of the two sources on the screen are just resolved according to the Rayleigh criterion.
Sketch, using the axes below, how the relative intensity I of light on the screen varies with distance
along the screen d.

Markscheme

16
 correct shape of two diffraction patterns showing central maximum and at least one secondary
maximum each side of central maximum;
intensity of secondary maxima no greater than one third intensity of central maxima; } (judge by eye)
first minimum of one pattern coincident with central maximum of other pattern;

or

Allow just the approximate dotted resultant intensity patterns:

correct pattern of two symmetrical principal maxima;
with local minimum between them;

at least one secondary maximum on each side which are no more than of the intensity of the
principal maxima;

14b. [3 marks]

A car is travelling at night along a straight road. Diane is walking towards the car. She sees the
headlights of the car as one single light. Estimate, using the data below, the separation d between Diane
and the car at which, according to the Rayleigh criterion, Diane will just be able to see the headlights as
two separate sources.

17
 Distance between the headlights = 1.4 m
Average wavelength of light emitted by the headlights = 500 nm
Diameter of the pupils of Diane’s eyes = 1.9 mm

Markscheme

angular separation for resolution= ;

= ;
d=4.4(km);
Award [2 max] if 1.22 not used and answer is 5.3 km.
Award [3] for a bald correct answer.

14c. [1 mark]

The light from the car headlights in (b) is not polarized. State what is meant by polarized light.

Markscheme

light in which the electric/magnetic field (vector) vibrates only in one plane/direction;

15. [1 mark]

Two coloured point sources are observed through an optical telescope. Which of the following
colours for the sources would best allow their images to be resolved?

A. Blue
B. Green
C. Red
D. Yellow

Markscheme

16. [1 mark]

An optical instrument is used to observe an object illuminated with monochromatic light. Which of the
following changes to the frequency of the light and to the aperture diameter of the optical instrument
will increase the resolution of the image of the object formed by the instrument?

18
 Markscheme

17a. [3 marks]

This question is about radio telescopes.

A distant galaxy emits radio waves of frequency 6.0×109 Hz and is moving with speed 6.0×106 ms–1
directly away from an observer on Earth.

Determine the wavelength of the radio wave as measured by the observer on Earth.

Markscheme

Award [2 max] if ƒ'=ƒ+Δƒ used to give λ'=4.9x10-2(m).

17b. [4 marks]

The radio signals from two stars on opposite sides of the galaxy are detected on Earth using a radio
telescope. The telescope has a circular receiving dish.

19
 (i) State the Rayleigh criterion for the images of two point sources to be just resolved.

(ii) The galaxy is 2.0×1021m from Earth and the stars are separated by 5.0×1019m. Determine the
minimum size of the telescope dish required to resolve the images of the two stars at a wavelength of
5.1×10–2m.

Markscheme

(i) the two (point-like) sources generate diffraction patterns with central maxima;
the central maximum of one pattern overlaps with the first minimum of the second diffraction pattern;

(ii)

Allow [1 max] for solution that omits 1.22.

18a. [2 marks]

This question is about diffraction and interference.

Light of wavelength 620 nm from a laser is incident on a single rectangular slit of width 0.45 mm.

After passing through the slit, the light is incident on a screen that is a distance of 3.4 m from the slit.
Calculate the distance between the centre and the first minimum of the diffraction pattern.

Markscheme

20
 ;
distance ( =1.38×10–3×3.4=4.68)≈4.7mm;

18b. [3 marks]

The laser in (a) is replaced by two identical lasers so that the light from both lasers illuminates the slit.
The lasers are both 6.0 m from the slit. The two diffraction patterns on the screen are resolved
according to the Rayleigh criterion.

(i) State what is meant by the Rayleigh criterion.

(ii) The minimum separation of the two laser beams is x. Determine x.

Markscheme

(i) in order to be (just) resolved the first minimum of diffraction pattern (of one image) coincides with
the central maximum of the other (image) / OWTTE;

(ii) criterion specifies >4.7mm in this case / clear use of answer to (a) as distance;

;
Award [1 max] if factor of 1.22 used.

18c. [2 marks]

Compare the appearance of a single-slit diffraction pattern formed by laser light to that formed by a
source of white light.

Markscheme

21
 for white light:
central maximum white, laser central maximum is monochromatic;
white light fringes/lines will be coloured;
blue diffracted least / OWTTE;

19. [4 marks]

This question is about resolution.

A car is travelling along a straight road at night. To a distant observer the two headlamps of the car
appear as a single point source. With the aid of an appropriately labelled sketch graph, explain this
observation.

Markscheme

graph: [2 max]
correct single slit diffraction pattern with appropriate labelling (eg angle/θ) of horizontal axis;
identical diffraction pattern with peak separated by less than half the width of central maximum;

explanation: [2 max]
light from each lamp produces a diffraction pattern on retina of eye;
some statement/Rayleigh criterion quoted to the effect that because the minimum of one falls too close
to the maximum of the other they cannot be resolved, so diffraction pattern looks the same as that from
a single lamp/source;

22
20. [1 mark]

Two point sources of light have an angular separation of θ, as measured by a distant observer. The light
passes through a circular aperture of radius r just before reaching the observer. Which of the following
conditions must be true for the two sources to be resolved?

A.

B.

C.

D.

Markscheme

21. [1 mark]

An object to be viewed by a microscope is irradiated with blue light. The reason for using blue light
rather than light of a longer wavelength is to increase

A. diffraction.
B. interference.
C. resolution.
D. magnification.

Markscheme

22a. [5 marks]

Part 2 Resolution and the Doppler effect

Radio telescopes can be used to locate distant galaxies. The ability of such telescopes to resolve the
images of galaxies is increased by using two telescopes separated by a large distance D. The telescopes
behave as a single radio telescope with a dish diameter equal to D.

The images of two distant galaxies G1 and G2 are just resolved by the two telescopes.

(i) State the phenomenon that limits the ability of radio telescopes to resolve images.

23
 (ii) State the Rayleigh criterion for the images of G1 and G2 to be just resolved.

(iii) Determine, using the following data, the separation d of G1 and G2 .

Effective distance of G1 and G2 from Earth = 2.2 ×1025 m

Separation D = 4.0 ×103 m
Wavelength of radio waves received from G1 and G2= 0.14 m

Markscheme

(i) diffraction;

(ii) the (central) maximum of the diffraction pattern of one image coincides with the first minimum of
the diffraction pattern of the other image;
Allow mark for clear diagram.

(iii) angular separation of G1 and ;

;
d9.41020 m;

22b. [5 marks]

Due to the Doppler effect, light from distant galaxies is often red-shifted.

(i) Describe, with reference to the Doppler effect, what is meant by red-shift.

(ii) The frequency of a particular spectral line as measured in the laboratory is 4.57 ×1014 Hz. The same
line in the spectrum of a distant galaxy has a frequency that is lower than the laboratory value by 6.40
×1011 Hz. Determine the speed with
which the galaxy is receding from Earth.

Markscheme

(i) if there is relative motion between source/galaxy and observer/Earth;

the observed frequency/wavelength will differ from the source frequency/wavelength;
the observed frequency will be lower / the observed wavelength will be greater if the direction
of relative motion is away from the source;
(to award the mark it must be clear in which direction a red-shift occurs)
Award [3] for a good description that mentions all of the above.
Award [3] for a clear annotated diagram that shows all of the above points.

24
 (ii) ;

23a. [1 mark]

This question is about resolution.

Light from two monochromatic point sources passes through a circular aperture and is observed on a
screen.

The graph shows how the intensity I of the light on the screen varies with the angle θ .

25
 The two sources are just resolved according to the Rayleigh criterion.

State what is meant by resolved in this context.

Markscheme

the two sources are seen as two distinct sources / two distinct images are formed / the central
maximum of one source coincides with the first minimum of the other;

23b. [3 marks]

The wavelength of the light from the two sources is 528 nm. The distance of the two sources from the
aperture is 1.60 m.

Using data from the graph opposite, determine the

(i) separation of the two sources.

(ii) diameter of the aperture.

Markscheme

(i) realization that the diffraction angle of the one source diffraction pattern is at 0.008 radians;
and so separation (=1.60×0.008=1.28)≈0.013m;

26
 (ii) ;

24a. [3 marks]

Part 2 Resolution

(i) State the wave phenomenon that limits the resolution of the eye.

(ii) State the Rayleigh criterion for determining if the images of two objects are just resolved.

Markscheme

(i) diffraction;

(ii) the first minimum of one diffraction pattern;

falls on central maximum of other diffraction pattern;

24b. [5 marks]

An advertising sign contains two straight vertical sections that emit light.

27
 The vertical sections are separated by a horizontal distance of 0.13 m. An observer views them from a
distance of 720 m. The wavelength of the emitted light is 510 nm and the diameter of the aperture of
the observer’s eye is 3.0 mm.

(i) Determine if the images formed on the retina of the observer will be resolved.

(ii) One of the vertical sections is switched off. The observer looks at the illuminated vertical section.
The diameter of the aperture of the observer’s eye is now 2.5 mm.

Calculate the angular width of the central maximum of the diffraction pattern formed on the observer’s
retina.

Markscheme

(i) ;

angular separation of sections / required minimum

separation for resolution ;

they cannot be resolved;
Ignore omission of 1.22 (gives θ=1.7×10–4 and (ECF) are just resolved).
Award [0] for a bald correct answer.

(ii) ;

;
Ignore omission of 1.22 (gives 2.9×10–4 (rad)).

25a. [5 marks]

This question is about diffraction and polarization.

Light from a monochromatic point source S1 is incident on a narrow, rectangular slit.

28
After passing through the slit the light is incident on a screen. The distance between the slit and screen
is very large compared with the width of the slit.

(i) On the axes below, sketch the variation with angle of diffraction θ of the relative intensity I of the
light diffracted at the slit.

(ii) The wavelength of the light is 480 nm. The slit width is 0.1 mm and its distance from the screen is
1.2 m. Determine the width of the central diffraction maximum observed on the screen.

Markscheme

29
 (i)

overall correct shape with central maxima at θ=0; { (only one secondary maximum required each side of
θ=0)
secondary maximum no greater than ¼ intensity of central maximum; { (judge by eye)

(ii) (where x is the half width of central maximum);

25b. [3 marks]

Judy looks at two point sources identical to the source S 1 in (a). The distance between the sources is 8.0
mm and Judy’s eye is at a distance d from the sources.

30
 Estimate the value of d for which the images of the two sources formed on the retina of Judy’s eye are
just resolved.

Markscheme

diameter of pupil =3.0 mm; (accept answers in the range of 2.0 mm to 5.0 mm)

; (accept answer in the range of 20m to 70m)

25c. [3 marks]

The light from a point source is unpolarized. The light can be polarized by passing it through a polarizer.

Explain, with reference to the electric (field) vector of unpolarized light and polarized light, the term
polarizer.

Markscheme

in unpolarized light the plane of vibration of the electric (field) vector is continually changing / OWTTE;
in polarized light the electric vector vibrates in one plane only;
a polarizer is made of material that absorbs/transmits either the horizontal or vertical component/only
one component of the electric vector;

26. [1 mark]

Light of wavelength λ is emitted by two point sources. The light passes through a circular aperture
of diameter b and is received by an observer. The angular separation of the sources from the observer’s
position is θ. The sources are not resolved by the observer. Which of the following mathematical
relationships applies?

31
 A.

B.

C.

D.

Markscheme

27. [1 mark]

The diagram below shows two identical filament lamps separated by a small distance. Light from the
lamps is incident on a narrow slit behind a green filter. The slit is parallel to the filament of each lamp. A
photograph is taken of the lamps through the slit. The images of the filaments on the photograph are
just resolved.

32
 The green filter is replaced by a red filter and then by a violet filter. For each filter a photograph is taken
of the lamps through the slit. Which of the following correctly describes the resolution of the images
using a red and using a violet filter?

Markscheme

28a. [5 marks]

This question is about diffraction and resolution.

A parallel beam of monochromatic light is incident on a narrow rectangular slit. After passing through
the slit, the light is incident on a distant screen.

33
Point X is the midpoint of the slit.

(i) On the axes below, sketch a graph to show how the intensity of the light on the screen varies with
the angle shown in the diagram.

(ii) The wavelength of the light is 520 nm, the width of the slit is 0.04 mm and the screen is 1.2 m
from the slit. Show that the width of the central maximum of intensity on the screen is about 3 cm.

Markscheme

(i)

general correct shape touching axis and symmetric about (at least onesecondary maxima on each
side); (judge by eye)

central maximum wider than secondary maxima;

secondary maxima at most one third intensity of central maximum;

34
 (ii) ;

28b. [3 marks]

Points P and Q are on the circumference of a planet as shown.

By considering the two points, outline why diffraction limits the ability of an astronomical telescope to
resolve the image of the planet as a disc.

Markscheme

Award [2 max] for a sensible argument.

e.g. light from each point forms a diffraction pattern after being focussed by the eyepiece of the
telescope;

if the diffraction patterns are not sufficiently well separated then the points will not be resolved as
separate sources;

Award [1 max] for the conclusion.

e.g. if the points cannot be resolved as separate sources the planet cannot be seen as a disc;

29. [1 mark]

The images of two sources are just resolved. Which of the following is a correct statement of the
Rayleigh criterion for this situation?
35
 A. The central maximum of the diffraction pattern of one source must coincide with the central
maximum of the diffraction pattern of the other source.

B. Light from the sources must pass through a circular aperture.

C. Light from the sources must be coherent.

D. The first minimum of the diffraction pattern of one source must coincide with the central
maximum of the diffraction pattern of the other source.

Markscheme

30. [1 mark]

Two galaxies with an angular separation at the observer of radians are observed with a

radio telescope. Both galaxies emit radio waves of wavelength .

The images of the galaxies are just resolved by the telescope. The diameter of the circular collecting dish
of the telescope is

A. 61 m.

B. 50 m.

C. 30 m.

D. 25 m.

Markscheme

Printed for Saint Jude Catholic School

© International Baccalaureate Organization 2018

International Baccalaureate® - Baccalaureé at International® - Bachillerato Internacional®

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