Explain how microwaves are used to find the distance to an aeroplane ?

1 Answer
Daniel H.
Apr 9, 2018

This is a standard 'distance = rate #xx# time' problem

Explanation:

The key to this problem is microwaves travel at the speed of light, approx #2.99 xx 10^8 m/s#. So, if a microwave is pointed at an object and the total time required for the echo (reflection) to be received is accurately measured, the distance to the object can be easily calculated.

Related questions
Impact of this question
3510 views around the world
You can reuse this answer
Creative Commons License