Reflecting telescopes are popular because they're

A. more durable than a refracting telescope.
B. easier to build than a refracting telescope.
C. smaller than a refracting telescope.
D. more powerful than a refracting telescope

i said b but im torn between a and b

The correct answer is B. Reflecting telescopes are indeed easier to build than refracting telescopes. This is mainly because they use a concave mirror instead of a complex lens system. Reflecting telescopes also tend to be more affordable and easier to maintain compared to refracting telescopes. Option A, stating that reflecting telescopes are more durable, is not necessarily true for all cases. The durability of a telescope depends on various factors, including the materials used and how well it is maintained. So, while reflecting telescopes can be durable, it is not a defining characteristic.

To determine whether Option A or Option B is the more accurate answer, let's review the advantages of reflecting telescopes over refracting telescopes:

1. More durable: Reflecting telescopes are generally considered to be more durable than refracting telescopes. Unlike refracting telescopes, reflecting telescopes do not have a long, delicate objective lens that can be easily damaged. Therefore, reflecting telescopes are less prone to breakage and can withstand rough handling better.

2. Easier to build: Reflecting telescopes are also easier to build compared to refracting telescopes. The main optical component of a reflecting telescope is a curved mirror, which is simpler to manufacture, polish, and assemble than the complex lens system found in refracting telescopes. This simplicity in construction makes reflecting telescopes more accessible to amateur astronomers and lowers their cost.

Considering these advantages, Option B, "easier to build than a refracting telescope," appears to be the more accurate answer. However, it's worth noting that reflecting telescopes can vary in size, so they may not always be smaller than refracting telescopes (Option C). Additionally, the overall power of a telescope depends on several factors, such as mirror size and quality, rather than the type of telescope alone. Therefore, Option D, "more powerful than a refracting telescope," cannot be universally true.

In conclusion, while both Option A and Option B have merits, the better answer is Option B, as reflecting telescopes are generally considered more durable and easier to build than refracting telescopes.