North Carolina RADAR State Practice Exam

What target composition will "reflect" a RADAR signal?

1. Bamboo, rubber

2. Glass, plastics

3. Metal, stone, wood, concrete

4. Paper, cloth

The correct answer is: Metal, stone, wood, concrete

The correct answer is associated with materials that are capable of reflecting RADAR signals due to their physical properties. Metal, stone, wood, and concrete are all dense materials that have surfaces that can effectively reflect RADAR waves back to the RADAR receiver. Metals are particularly effective at reflecting RADAR signals because they have free electrons that allow them to conduct electricity and reflect electromagnetic waves very efficiently. Stone and concrete, being denser solid materials, also reflect signals but to a varying degree based on their surface texture and composition. Wood, while not as reflective as metal, can still reflect RADAR waves depending on its moisture content and structural properties. In contrast, the other options consist of materials with different properties. Bamboo and rubber are less reflective, with rubber acting as an insulator and often absorbing rather than reflecting RADAR waves. Glass and plastics, while potentially reflective under certain conditions, often do not reflect RADAR signals as effectively as more dense and conductive materials. Lastly, paper and cloth are typically soft and absorbent, making them poor candidates for reflecting RADAR signals. This understanding of material properties is crucial in fields such as radar technology and material sciences, leading to the identification of the correct target composition that effectively reflects RADAR signals.