# Describe the differences between how a refracting telescope and a reflecting telescope form an image of a distant star.

> AQA A-Level Physics (7408) — 3.9.1 Telescopes · Describe · 5 marks

## Mark scheme (5 marks)

1. A refracting telescope uses lenses (to refract/bend light)
2. A reflecting telescope uses a curved/concave mirror (to reflect light)
3. In a refracting telescope the objective lens collects and focuses the incoming light
4. In a reflecting telescope the primary/curved mirror collects and focuses the incoming light (to a focal point)
5. Large mirrors are easier/cheaper to make than large lenses, so reflecting telescopes can be made larger / collect more light

## Key terms

- [refracting telescope](https://www.gradenine.co.uk/glossary/refracting-telescope)
- [reflecting telescope](https://www.gradenine.co.uk/glossary/reflecting-telescope)

## Related

- [Revision notes for AQA A-Level Physics (7408)](https://www.gradenine.co.uk/learn)
- [How to answer "Describe" questions](https://www.gradenine.co.uk/tools/command-word-cheatsheet)
- [Practice this with AI marking (free)](https://www.gradenine.co.uk/start)

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Source: [GradeNine](https://www.gradenine.co.uk/q/describe-the-differences-between-how-a-b8e6b2e6) · Published by Druglandscape Ltd.