Question Details

How does magnifying power change for an objective lens if the focal length of the objective lens is increased?

Options

A

The microscope will decrease but for the telescope, it will increase

B

The microscope will increase but for the telescope, it decreases

C

The microscope and telescope will increase

D

The microscope and telescope will decrease

Correct Answer :

The microscope will decrease but for the telescope, it will increase

Solution :

The correct option is: "The microscope will decrease but for the telescope, it will increase".

To understand why this is correct, let us analyze the formulas for the magnifying power of both a compound microscope and an astronomical telescope, and see how they depend on the focal length of the objective lens (fo).

1. Magnifying Power of a Microscope:
The magnifying power (m) of a compound microscope is given by the relation:
m - L fo · D fe
where:
- L is the length of the microscope tube,
- D is the least distance of distinct vision,
- fo is the focal length of the objective lens,
- fe is the focal length of the eyepiece lens.

From this equation, we can see that the magnifying power of a microscope is inversely proportional to the focal length of the objective lens:
m 1 fo
Therefore, if the focal length of the objective lens (fo) is increased, the magnifying power of the microscope will decrease.

2. Magnifying Power of a Telescope:
The magnifying power (M) of an astronomical telescope in normal adjustment is given by the relation:
M = - fo fe
where:
- fo is the focal length of the objective lens,
- fe is the focal length of the eyepiece lens.

From this equation, we can see that the magnifying power of a telescope is directly proportional to the focal length of the objective lens:
M fo
Therefore, if the focal length of the objective lens (fo) is increased, the magnifying power of the telescope will increase.

Conclusion:
When the focal length of the objective lens is increased, the magnifying power of the microscope decreases, while the magnifying power of the telescope increases.

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