Understanding Diffraction and Vision

The video explores the concept of vision and diffraction through the example of Legolas from Lord of the Rings, who claims to see distant objects clearly. It explains how light travels as a wave, causing diffraction that blurs images. The video discusses the Airy disk phenomenon and how diffraction limits human vision. It also speculates on Legolas' ability to see in ultraviolet light, which could reduce diffraction effects, but notes that UV light is absorbed by air.

What is the main challenge Legolas faces when trying to see distant objects?

• The diffraction of light

• The speed of light

• The brightness of the sun

• The curvature of the Earth

How does light travel according to the video?

• As a spiral

• As a wave

• In straight lines

• In a zigzag pattern

What happens to a wave when it passes through a small opening?

• It becomes focused

• It speeds up

• It spreads out

• It changes color

What is an Airy disk?

• A measurement of light intensity

• A type of lens

• A blur caused by diffraction

• A type of camera filter

What limits our ability to distinguish small objects at a distance?

• The size of the object

• The color of the object

• The diffraction of light

• The speed of light

How does the size of the Airy disk relate to the wavelength of light?

• It depends on the color of the light

• It is directly proportional

• It is inversely proportional

• It is unrelated

What is the maximum size of an object Legolas could distinguish at 24 km away?

• 3 meters

• 5 meters

• 10 meters

• 1 meter

Why would seeing in ultraviolet help Legolas?

• UV light travels faster

• UV light is brighter

• UV light is more colorful

• UV light diffracts less

What is a limitation of seeing in ultraviolet light?

• It is absorbed by air

• It is too bright

• It is too dim

• It causes color blindness

What would be the size of objects Legolas could distinguish if he could see in extreme UV?

• 20 cm

• 1 cm

• 5 cm

• 10 cm