RADAR uses what to determine the velocity and location of objects?

RADAR uses what to determine the velocity and location of objects?

• A. Measures altitude only
• B. Transmits GPS signals
• C. Only detects weather
• D. Uses reflected radio waves to determine velocity and location

Answer: (D)

Radar works by emitting radio waves and using the echoes to learn about objects. The time it takes for an emitted pulse to return tells you how far away the object is, giving its location in range. The frequency shift of the returned signal, caused by the Doppler effect, reveals how fast the object is moving toward or away from the radar. By combining where the radar beam was pointed (the direction) with the range information, you get the object's position and velocity. So using reflected radio waves to determine velocity and location captures both distance and speed information. Other options don’t fit because radar doesn’t measure altitude alone, it doesn’t rely on GPS signals, and while there are weather radars, radar in general isn’t limited to detecting weather.

Radar works by emitting radio waves and using the echoes to learn about objects. The time it takes for an emitted pulse to return tells you how far away the object is, giving its location in range. The frequency shift of the returned signal, caused by the Doppler effect, reveals how fast the object is moving toward or away from the radar. By combining where the radar beam was pointed (the direction) with the range information, you get the object's position and velocity. So using reflected radio waves to determine velocity and location captures both distance and speed information.

Other options don’t fit because radar doesn’t measure altitude alone, it doesn’t rely on GPS signals, and while there are weather radars, radar in general isn’t limited to detecting weather.