Display technology (CRT context): the “resolution” of a cathode-ray tube monitor most precisely refers to which characteristic of the display device?

Introduction / Context:
Resolution is a core specification for display devices. In the context of traditional CRTs, resolution describes the fineness with which distinct picture elements can be addressed and displayed, which ultimately influences the sharpness of text and graphics and the amount of detail that can be rendered.

Given Data / Assumptions:

• We are discussing CRT displays, not LCDs/OLEDs, though the concept is analogous.
• Resolution should capture addressable granularity across the screen area.
• Other specs (bandwidth, dot pitch) are related but distinct.

Concept / Approach:
For CRTs, resolution is tied to the number of distinct addressable elements (effective pixels) that the system can display, which depends on electron beam focus, shadow mask or aperture grille structure, and video bandwidth. While phosphor dots are part of the physical structure, resolution is not simply “how many dots reacted” but the count of discrete positions you can reliably address to form an image at a given scan rate and quality.

Step-by-Step Solution:
Define resolution as addressable detail across the display area.Relate this to the effective grid of picture elements (horizontal by vertical).Choose the option that expresses “number of addressable elements.”

Verification / Alternative check:
Common CRT specs such as “1024 × 768 at 85 Hz” reflect the practical number of distinct elements the monitor can resolve at a given refresh—consistent with addressable elements, not merely physical dot count or input rate.

Why Other Options Are Wrong:
Input speed reflects bandwidth, not resolution. Phosphor dots are a physical mask attribute and do not directly equal addressable resolution. Pixels per square centimeter is a density measure; resolution is usually expressed in horizontal × vertical counts across the full screen.

Common Pitfalls:
Confusing dot pitch (spacing of phosphor triads) with resolution; both influence sharpness, but resolution is about addressability at operating frequencies.

Final Answer:
the number of addressable elements on the tube