North Carolina RADAR State Practice Exam

When a RADAR beam encounters an object, it can undergo several interactions, namely absorption, reflection, and refraction. This is primarily due to the nature of electromagnetic waves and their interaction with different materials.

Absorption occurs when the energy from the RADAR beam is taken in by the object, converting the wave energy into heat or other forms of energy, thus diminishing the intensity of the signal. Reflection happens when the beam bounces off the surface of the object, allowing the RADAR system to detect the presence and distance of the object. Refraction refers to the bending of the RADAR beam as it passes through materials of different densities or properties, which can affect the angle and path of the beam.

Together, these interactions help in determining various attributes of the object, such as its speed, direction, and distance. Understanding how a RADAR beam interacts with objects is crucial for effective application in fields like law enforcement, aviation, and weather monitoring.