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Date May 2022 Marks available 1 Reference code 22M.1.HL.TZ1.31
Level Higher level Paper Paper 1 Time zone 1
Command term Question number 31 Adapted from N/A

Question

An observer with an eye of pupil diameter d views the headlights of a car that emit light of wavelength λ. The distance between the headlights is L.

What is the greatest distance between the observer and the car at which the images of the headlights will be resolved by the observer’s eye?

A.  1.22λLd

B.  1.22λLd

C.  Ld1.22λ

D.  d1.22λL

Markscheme

C

Examiners report

Despite option C being the most frequent (correct) response, both options A and B were effective distractors. A useful teaching point relating to this question relates to unit analysis; neither solution presented in option A or option D produce the correct units for distance, and could be eliminated from consideration on this basis.

Syllabus sections

Additional higher level (AHL) » Topic 9: Wave phenomena » 9.4 – Resolution
Additional higher level (AHL) » Topic 9: Wave phenomena
Additional higher level (AHL)

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