Which type of wave does radar primarily use?

Radar primarily utilizes radio waves for its operation. Radio waves are a type of electromagnetic radiation that have longer wavelengths compared to light waves, infrared waves, and sound waves. The use of radio waves in radar systems allows for the transmission of signals over long distances and the ability to penetrate various atmospheric conditions, which is crucial for accurate detection and tracking of objects such as aircraft and weather formations.

When the radar system emits a pulse of radio waves, these waves travel through the air and bounce off objects in their path. The system then captures the reflected waves, allowing it to determine the distance, speed, and direction of the object from which the waves bounced back. This property makes radio waves particularly effective for applications in aviation, meteorology, and military operations, among others.