AQA · A level Physics

Roman Space Telescope resolution A-level challenge

Can you get 100%? Use Roman's 2.4 m mirror and wide infrared view to test angular resolution, collecting power and signal-to-background physics.

Read the Roman Space Telescope launch guide

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Question

8 marks

Answer all parts. Show your working and give units where appropriate.

1(a)

The Roman Space Telescope has a primary mirror of diameter . Consider an observation using infrared radiation of wavelength . Calculate the minimum angular separation that the telescope can resolve. Use .

[3 marks]

1(b)

Hubble also has a primary mirror of diameter . At the same infrared wavelength, Roman has a field of view with at least 100 times the area of Hubble's field of view. Compare the diffraction-limited angular resolution and collecting power of the two telescopes, and state one advantage of Roman's wider field of view.

[3 marks]

1(c)

Earth's atmosphere absorbs some infrared wavelengths and also emits infrared radiation. Explain how placing Roman in space helps it measure a faint infrared source.

[2 marks]

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