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.

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