Question

Sonar is mainly used to detect objects underwater, whereas radar is mainly used to detect objects on or above the earth's surface. which of the following best explains why radar is not typically used to locate objects underwater?

a. radar waves have longer wavelengths underwater than sonar waves.
b. radar waves are more amplified underwater than sonar waves.
c. radar waves do not travel as well underwater as sonar waves.
d. radar waves cannot travel underwater while sonar waves can.

Answer 1

Radar is not typically used underwater because electromagnetic waves, which radar uses, do not travel well through water compared to the sound waves used by sonar. Sonar is effective underwater as sound travels farther in denser mediums, making it suitable for detecting large submerged objects.

Step-by-step explanation:

The reason radar is not typically used to locate objects underwater has to do with the properties of electromagnetic waves, such as radar, in water. The correct answer is (c) radar waves do not travel as well underwater as sonar waves. Radar uses microwave electromagnetic waves that can travel through the air and are excellent for detecting objects such as aircraft or weather formations. Nevertheless, these waves get absorbed quickly by water and cannot penetrate very far.

On the other hand, sonar (Sound Navigation And Ranging) utilizes sound waves, particularly ultrasonic frequencies, to detect and locate underwater objects including large ones such as ships or submarine wreckage. Sound waves can travel much farther in water than electromagnetic waves because water is a denser medium that does not absorb sound as rapidly. The effectiveness of sonar in water can be seen in its various applications such as by submarines and marine animals like bats and dolphins for navigation and hunting.