What angle is subtended when using this 270-diopter objective?

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In summary, the anatomist viewing heart muscle cells with a microscope can adjust the objective strength to change the angle at which the image of a cell is viewed. Using the small angle approximation, the image will be magnified in proportion to the power of the objective. With a stronger objective of 270 diopters, the original angle of 3.7 x 10^-3 rad will be multiplied by a factor of (270/140) to give a new angle of 0.0019185 rad. This results in a larger image of the cell.
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Homework Statement


An anatomist is viewing heart muscle cells with a microscope that has two selectable objectives with refracting powers of 140 and 270 diopters. When she uses the 140-diopter objective, the image of a cell subtends an angle of 3.7 x 10-3 rad with the eye. What angle is subtended when she uses the 270-diopter objective?


Homework Equations


tan alpha=h/f


The Attempt at a Solution


h=tan(3.7x10^-3)(140) = 0.518
tan beta = 0.518/270
beta = 0.0019185 rad


This is incorrect... I am not sure if I'm even going about this problem the right way. Thanks for any help you can give!
 
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  • #2
Note the small angle involved (3.7 x 10^-3 rad), so the small angle approximation is valid
θ ≈ sinθ ≈ tanθ​
The image will simply be magnified in proportion to the power of the objective.
 
  • #3
I don't really understand what this means.. how are you saying I would go about solving this with that in mind?
 
  • #4
The image originally subtended an angle of 3.7 x 10^-3 rad.

Using a stronger objective, we expect the image to appear larger.

Since the objective strength has been increased by a ratio of (270/140), the 3.7 x 10^-3 rad angle will get multiplied by that same factor.
 
  • #5
Ohh, I was making it harder than it should be. Thank you very much!
 

FAQ: What angle is subtended when using this 270-diopter objective?

What does the term "subtended" mean in this context?

The term "subtended" refers to the angle that is formed between two lines connecting the center of the lens to the object and the center of the lens to the image. In other words, it is the angle that the object appears to be at when viewed through the lens.

How do you determine the angle that is subtended when using a 270-diopter objective?

The angle that is subtended when using a 270-diopter objective can be determined by dividing the diopter measurement (270) by the focal length of the lens in meters. This will give you the angle in radians, which can then be converted to degrees by multiplying by 180 and dividing by π (pi).

Why is it important to know the angle that is subtended when using a 270-diopter objective?

Knowing the angle that is subtended when using a 270-diopter objective is important because it helps determine the magnification and resolution of the lens. It also allows for accurate measurements and calculations in scientific experiments and observations.

Can the angle that is subtended vary depending on the object being viewed?

Yes, the angle that is subtended can vary depending on the distance and size of the object being viewed. Objects that are closer to the lens will have a larger angle of subtension, while objects that are further away will have a smaller angle.

How does the angle that is subtended affect the quality of the image produced?

The angle that is subtended can affect the quality of the image produced by the lens. A larger angle of subtension can result in a higher magnification of the object, but it can also decrease the resolution and clarity of the image. A smaller angle can produce a clearer image, but with a lower magnification. This balance between magnification and resolution is important in choosing the right lens for a specific scientific application.

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