Explaining a Physics Formula in Non-Physics Terms: Answer B

AI Thread Summary
The discussion centers on understanding the physics formula "sinΘR = 1.22 λ/d," specifically regarding its application and the concept of resolving power. Participants seek clarification on how the dish's diameter influences resolving power and the meanings of the symbols in the formula. There is a suggestion that asking for explanations in simpler terms may not be effective in a physics-focused forum. Ultimately, the original poster indicates they have resolved their questions. The conversation highlights the importance of engaging with the material and seeking deeper understanding in technical discussions.
hidemi
Messages
206
Reaction score
36
Homework Statement
If the diameter of a radar dish is doubled, what happens to its resolving power assuming that all other factors remain unchanged?

A) The resolving power quadruples.
B) The resolving power doubles.
C) The resolving power is reduced to 1/2 of its original value.
D) The resolving power is reduced to 1/4 of its original value.
E) The resolving power does not change unless the focal length changes.

The answer is B.
Relevant Equations
sinΘR = 1.22 λ/d
According to the equation, the answer is B.
Since the lecture didn't cover much about it, can someone explain this formula in a less physics way? Thanks.
 
Physics news on Phys.org
What have you done so far? E.g what have you found out ?
What is meant by resolving power?
Why will the dish’s diameter affect the resolving power?
What do the symbols in the formula “sinΘR = 1.22 λ/d” mean?

Edit. And asking for an explanation 'in a less physics way' may not be the best tactics in a forum dedicated to physics!
 
Last edited:
Steve4Physics said:
What have you done so far? E.g what have you found out ?
What is meant by resolving power?
Why will the dish’s diameter affect the resolving power?
What do the symbols in the formula “sinΘR = 1.22 λ/d” mean?

Edit. And asking for an explanation 'in a less physics way' may not be the best tactics in a forum dedicated to physics!
Thanks for your hints. I have solved it.
 
Kindly see the attached pdf. My attempt to solve it, is in it. I'm wondering if my solution is right. My idea is this: At any point of time, the ball may be assumed to be at an incline which is at an angle of θ(kindly see both the pics in the pdf file). The value of θ will continuously change and so will the value of friction. I'm not able to figure out, why my solution is wrong, if it is wrong .
Thread 'Voltmeter readings for this circuit with switches'
TL;DR Summary: I would like to know the voltmeter readings on the two resistors separately in the picture in the following cases , When one of the keys is closed When both of them are opened (Knowing that the battery has negligible internal resistance) My thoughts for the first case , one of them must be 12 volt while the other is 0 The second case we'll I think both voltmeter readings should be 12 volt since they are both parallel to the battery and they involve the key within what the...
Thread 'Trying to understand the logic behind adding vectors with an angle between them'
My initial calculation was to subtract V1 from V2 to show that from the perspective of the second aircraft the first one is -300km/h. So i checked with ChatGPT and it said I cant just subtract them because I have an angle between them. So I dont understand the reasoning of it. Like why should a velocity be dependent on an angle? I was thinking about how it would look like if the planes where parallel to each other, and then how it look like if one is turning away and I dont see it. Since...
Back
Top