Home/
Competitive Exams/
JEE Main & Advanced/
Physics/
Electromagnetic Waves and Wave Optics/
Question 20224
JEE Physics · Medium

Electromagnetic Waves and Wave Optics: Resolution — Rayleigh Criterion MCQ

Solve this quality-checked JEE multiple-choice question, then review the correct answer and explanation.

Timer-based practiceDetailed answer reviewMobile-friendly flow
Resolution — Rayleigh CriterionMediumQuestion 20224

Question

Rayleigh's criterion for resolution of two closely spaced point sources states they are just resolved when:
  1. A
    Their central maxima overlap completely
  2. B
    The central maximum of one falls on the first minimum of the other
    Correct
  3. C
    They are 1 mm apart
  4. D
    Their path difference equals λ

Correct answer

The central maximum of one falls on the first minimum of the other

Explanation

Rayleigh limit: minimum resolvable angle θ_min = 1.22λ/D for a circular aperture of diameter D. A larger aperture (telescope mirror, eye pupil) resolves finer detail.

Review Electromagnetic Waves and Wave Optics notesStart timed chapter practice