DP Physics (last assessment 2024)

Question 22M.1.HL.TZ1.31

Date	May 2022	Marks available	[Maximum mark: 1]	Reference code	22M.1.HL.TZ1.31
Level	HL	Paper	1	Time zone	TZ1
Command term		Question number	31	Adapted from	N/A

31.

[Maximum mark: 1]

22M.1.HL.TZ1.31

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. $\frac{1.22 λ}{L d}$

B. $\frac{1.22 λ L}{d}$

C. $\frac{L d}{1.22 λ}$

D. $\frac{d}{1.22 λ L}$

[1]

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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.

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Additional higher level (AHL)

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

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

Question 22M.1.HL.TZ1.31

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