How does radar work?

Radar stands for RAdio Detection And Ranging, and it works by sending out radio waves and then receiving the waves that bounce back after hitting an object. The time taken for the wave to return can be used to calculate the distance to the object, while the strength and frequency of the returning waves can be used to determine the size, shape, and composition of the object.

The radar system consists of a transmitter, a receiver, and an antenna. The transmitter sends out radio waves which are picked up by the antenna, and the receiver then detects and analyzes the returning waves. The waves are typically in the microwave frequency range, and the system can be designed to use different frequencies depending on the application.

Radar has a wide range of applications, including weather forecasting, air traffic control, navigation, and military surveillance. Doppler radar, which measures changes in frequency caused by movement of objects, is used for detecting and tracking the motion of storms and aircraft. Synthetic aperture radar (SAR) uses radar waves to create detailed images of the ground, even in complete darkness or adverse weather conditions.