Physics A-Level
Chromatic aberration
What Chromatic aberration means in Physics A-Level, as defined for AQA.
Definition of Chromatic aberration
Check what you remember
Read the wording for your board, then hide it and explain Chromatic aberration in your own words. Rough notes are fine. This is a self-check, with no mark or grade.
Reference: AQA
Arises in refractors because the focal length of a lens depends on wavelength, so different colours focus at different points.
Topics that use Chromatic aberration
- Reflecting telescopes (A-level only) (AQA A-Level)
Related terms
- Aperture stop
- Convex secondary mirror
- Folded optical path
- Formation of a real intermediate image
- Optical ray construction and labelling
- Parabolic mirror
- Reflection at curved and plane surfaces
- Central obstruction
Using Chromatic aberration in the exam
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