North Carolina RADAR State Practice Exam

If the patrol speed is 60 mph and the separation speed is 20 mph, what is the target speed?

1. 40 mph

2. 80 mph

3. 20 mph

4. 60 mph

The correct answer is: 40 mph

To determine the target speed when given the patrol speed and separation speed, the relationship between these variables must be understood. The target speed can be calculated by subtracting the separation speed from the patrol speed if the target is moving in the same direction as the patrol vehicle. In this scenario, the patrol speed is 60 mph, and the separation speed is 20 mph. By applying the formula: Target Speed = Patrol Speed - Separation Speed we have: Target Speed = 60 mph - 20 mph = 40 mph. Thus, the target speed is correctly identified as 40 mph. This calculation assumes that the separation speed involves the distance between the patrol vehicle and the target reducing due to their relative motion in the same direction. Considering the context of the other potential answers, a target speed of 80 mph would imply the target is moving faster than the patrol vehicle, which contradicts the separation speed being a measure of closing distance. A target speed of 20 mph implies the target is moving significantly slower than the patrol vehicle, counter to what is indicated by the given separation speed. A target speed of 60 mph would mean both vehicles are traveling at the same speed, nullifying any separation. Therefore, the only viable conclusion is that