How Do You Spell RESOLVING POWER?

1. Resolving power, in scientific and technical fields such as optics, microscopy, and spectroscopy, refers to the ability of an instrument or system to distinguish or separate two or more closely spaced objects or details. It is a measure of the finest detail that can be detected or resolved by a device or method.

   In optics, resolving power determines the ability of an optical system, such as a microscope or telescope, to distinguish and separate closely located objects in the observed field. It is typically characterized by the minimum distance of two distinct points or lines that can be clearly resolved by the instrument. The resolving power depends on various factors, including the wavelength of radiation used, the aperture or lens diameter, and the quality of the optical system.

   In microscopy, resolving power is a critical measure of the clarity and detail that can be captured in an image. It determines the minimum distance between two closely located objects that can be seen as separate entities under the microscope.

   Resolving power is also important in spectroscopy, where it refers to the ability to distinguish or separate two closely located spectral lines or bands in a spectrum. It enables the identification and analysis of different components or substances in a sample based on their unique spectral signatures.

   Overall, resolving power is a fundamental concept in various scientific disciplines, providing a quantitative measure of the ability to distinguish, separate, and resolve fine details or components in a system or observed phenomena.

2. Definition (of a lens).

   A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.

Common Misspellings for RESOLVING POWER

The word resolving power primarily comes from the field of optics and microscopy. The etymology of the word can be understood by breaking it down into its constituent parts.

- Resolving comes from the verb resolve, which derives from the Latin word resolvere. The Latin term resolvere can be further broken down into re- meaning back or again and solvere meaning loosen or dissolve. In this context, resolving refers to the act of separating or dispersing different components or elements in a system, in order to analyze or observe them individually.

- Power derives from the Old French word povoir, which comes from the Latin word potere. Potere refers to the ability or capability to do something, and over time, povoir in Old French transformed into the English word power.