Which term describes the physical length of a radar pulse?

Which term describes the physical length of a radar pulse?

• A. Pulse repetition interval
• B. Pulse duration - duration of pulse
• C. Pulse width
• D. Frequency

Answer: (C)

The main idea here is the duration of the pulse. The term pulse width describes how long the radar is actually emitting the pulse. That time interval is what defines the pulse’s length in time, and, since the signal travels at the speed of light, it also relates to the physical (spatial) length the pulse occupies as it propagates. The pulse repetition interval is the time between successive pulses, not the length of a single pulse. Frequency refers to the carrier wave’s oscillation rate, not how long the pulse lasts. So the duration of the pulse—as the time it stays on—is best described by pulse width.

The main idea here is the duration of the pulse. The term pulse width describes how long the radar is actually emitting the pulse. That time interval is what defines the pulse’s length in time, and, since the signal travels at the speed of light, it also relates to the physical (spatial) length the pulse occupies as it propagates. The pulse repetition interval is the time between successive pulses, not the length of a single pulse. Frequency refers to the carrier wave’s oscillation rate, not how long the pulse lasts. So the duration of the pulse—as the time it stays on—is best described by pulse width.