Part A of the problem, which I already solved: Even if the lenses of our eyes fu

Question

Part A of the problem, which I already solved:

Even if the lenses of our eyes functioned perfectly, our vision would still be limited due to diffraction of light at the pupil.

Using Rayleigh's criterion, what is the smallest object a person can see clearly at his near point of 20.0cm with a pupil 2.25mm in diameter and light of wavelength 508nm ? (To get a reasonable estimate without having to go through complicated calculations, we'll ignore the effect of the fluid in the eye.)

Correct Answer: 0.0551 mm

Now for part B they ask: Based upon your answer, does it seem that diffraction plays a significant role in limiting our visual acuity?

Correct Answer: No.

I want to know how we can tell that it doesn't play a significant role just by looking at the answer. Can somebody please provide a clear explanation?

Thanks.

Explanation / Answer

a) theta = 1.22 lambda / D

theta is small

heta = d / L

d = L * theta = L * (1.22 lambda / D)

= 0.20 * (1.22 * 508 * 10-9 / (2.25 * 10-3))

= 5.51 * 10-5 m = 0.0551 mm

---------------------------------

b) No

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