What is the magnifying power of an astronomical telescope using a reflecting mirror whose radius of curvature is 5.5 mm and an eyepiece whose focal length is 2.9 cmcm? Follow the sign conventions.

0.095

Explanation:

An astronomical telescope is a telescope used for viewing far distance object. It uses two lenses called the objective lens and the eyepiece lens.

Each lens has its own focal length

Let the focal length of the objective lens be Fo

Focal length of the eyepiece be Fe

Magnification of an astronomical telescope = Fo/Fe

Since the telescope uses a reflecting mirror having radius of curvature of 5.5mm instead of an objective lens, then we will replace Fo as the focal length of the mirror.

Focal length of a mirror Fo = Radius of curvature/2

Fo = R/2

Fo = 5.5/2

Fo = 2.75mm

Converting 2.75mm to cm gives 2.75/10 = 0.275cm

Fo = 0.275cm; Fe = 2.9cm

Magnification of the telescope = 0.275/2.9

Magnification of the astronomical telescope = 0.095