College

Tail lights must be visible for (1). Reflectors must be visible from (2). Clearance lights must be visible from (3).

a) 500 feet, 300 feet, 1000 feet
b) 1000 feet, 500 feet, 1500 feet
c) 2000 feet, 1000 feet, 2000 feet
d) 1500 feet, 750 feet, 1200 feet

Answer :

Final answer:

The question delves into the physics of human visual acuity and the impact of pupil diffraction on our ability to resolve closely spaced objects, such as car headlights, at different distances.

Explanation:

The question focuses on understanding the limits of human visual acuity, particularly in the context of diffraction by the pupil, and how it relates to observing objects at various distances. Specifically, it explores resolving the headlights of a car which are 1.3 meters apart, calculating the distance between just-resolvable points at an arm's length, and discussing the implications of these findings in everyday circumstances. These calculations take into account factors such as the average wavelength of light (550 nm for the headlights scenario) and the diameter of the human pupil, which significantly influence the resolving power of the human eye.

Understanding the principles behind these phenomena can provide insights into the physics of light and vision, as well as practical applications in designing visual equipment and assessing visual performance in various settings.