Explain the advantages of a reflecting telescope compared to a refracting telescope

Mirrors can be made much larger than lenses (meters compared to around 1m max). Mirrors do not produce chromatic aberration. Mirror glass does not need to be as high quality as lens glass. Mirrors produce less circular aberration than lenses

Answered by Physics tutor

1829 Views

See similar Physics A Level tutors

Related Physics A Level answers

All answers ▸

How would you prove the formula for the total capacitance of a system consisting of several capacitors linked in series?


Why is it important that the baryon and lepton numbers of an interaction are conserved?


A gold leaf electroscope with a zinc plate top is charged by briefly connecting it to the negative electrode of a high-voltage supply. Explain how the gold leaf will appear and how the leaf can be caused to drop again.


A 10m long uniform beam is pivoted in its centre. A 30kg point mass is placed on one end of the beam. Where must a 50kg mass be placed in order to balance the beam?


We're here to help

contact us iconContact ustelephone icon+44 (0) 203 773 6020
Facebook logoInstagram logoLinkedIn logo

MyTutor is part of the IXL family of brands:

© 2026 by IXL Learning