Author Question: How does the nature of radio waves allow a radio telescope to use a wire mesh surface? What will ... (Read 109 times)

Mr.Thesaxman · **on:** Jul 27, 2018

How does the nature of radio waves allow a radio telescope to use a wire mesh surface?

What will be an ideal response?

Question 2

Main-sequence stars have about the same density as the Sun but giant stars have very low densities.

a. True
b. False
Indicate whether the statement is true or false

Pswine · **Reply #1 on:** Jul 27, 2018

Answer to Question 1

Because radio wavelengths are in the range of a few millimeters to a few tens of meters, a radio telescope dish only needs to be shaped to that level of accuracy, much less smooth than a good optical telescope. Wire mesh works well as a mirror for all the but the shortest-wavelength radio waves.

Answer to Question 2

True