When relative motion is bringing an object closer to the RADAR, what happens to the reflected signal's frequency?

Prepare for the North Carolina Basic RADAR Operator Test. Study with flashcards, multiple choice questions, hints, and explanations. Get ready for your exam!

When an object is in relative motion toward a RADAR unit, the frequency of the reflected signal increases due to the Doppler effect. The Doppler effect describes the change in frequency or wavelength of a wave in relation to an observer moving relative to the source of the waves.

In this context, as the object approaches the RADAR, the waves reflected off the object are compressed, resulting in a higher frequency than the original emitted signal. This phenomenon allows the RADAR operator to determine the speed and direction of the object. The increase in frequency is a critical aspect of RADAR technology, as it helps in calculating not only the proximity of the object but also its velocity as it closes the distance to the RADAR source.

The choices that mention a decrease in frequency, remaining the same, or fluctuating would not apply in this context because they do not accurately describe the behavior observed with approaching objects under the principles of the Doppler effect.

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