What is radar and how does it use radio waves to detect and locate objects?

Radar is a detection system that uses radio waves to determine the range, angle, or velocity of objects such as aircraft, ships, spacecraft, vehicles, people, and terrain. The word radar is an acronym for 'radio detection and ranging'.

At its core, radar works by transmitting a radio wave signal from a transmitter and then receiving the signal that bounces back off of objects in its path with a receiver. By measuring the time it takes for the signal to travel to the object and back to the radar, the range of the object can be determined. By measuring the Doppler shift of the returning signal, the velocity of the object can be determined. By directing the transmitted signal with an antenna, the angle of the object can be determined. By combining all of these measurements, radar systems can accurately detect and track objects in three-dimensional space.

There are many different types of radar systems used for a variety of applications. Some examples include weather radar used for detecting precipitation and storms, air traffic control radar used for tracking aircraft, and ground-penetrating radar used for detecting objects beneath the ground.