What impact does the increase in distance have on RADAR signal strength?

An increase in distance affects RADAR signal strength as it results in a decrease in the intensity of the signal received. This phenomenon occurs due to the inverse-square law, which dictates that as distance from the source of electromagnetic radiation (such as RADAR signals) increases, the strength of that signal diminishes proportionally to the square of the distance.

As a RADAR signal travels through the atmosphere, it spreads out over a larger area, which leads to a reduction in its power density at any given point. Additionally, environmental factors such as atmospheric absorption, scattering, and terrain can further contribute to the weakening of the signal over distance. This is why operators must be aware of the limitations of RADAR technology, particularly when tracking objects that are farther away, as their signals may be too weak to provide accurate or reliable measurements. Understanding this concept is crucial for ensuring the effective use of RADAR systems in various applications, including traffic enforcement and monitoring.