Final answer:
Radar reflectivity measures the amount of signal returned to the radar from the original transmitted pulse of microwaves. It is used in radar systems to detect the distance and speed of objects, such as airplanes and weather formations. Radar reflectivity is also used to observe rain and determine rainfall rates.
Step-by-step explanation:
Radar Reflectivity
Radar reflectivity measures the amount of signal returned to the radar from the original transmitted pulse of microwaves. Radar systems use microwaves to detect the distance and speed of objects, such as airplanes and weather formations. When a radar pulse encounters an object, a portion of the energy is reflected back towards the radar system, and the radar reflectivity is a measure of this reflected signal.
For example, when radar is used to observe rain, the radar reflectivity measures the intensity of the reflected microwaves from raindrops. This information is used to determine rainfall rates and the structure of precipitation.