What happens to the RADAR signal when it encounters an object?

When a RADAR signal encounters an object, it can undergo several phenomena, including refraction, absorption, and reflection. The correct understanding is that the behavior of the RADAR signal depends on the properties of the object it interacts with.

Reflection occurs when the RADAR signal bounces off the surface of the object, allowing it to return to the source and be detected. However, not all signals are reflected. Some may be refracted, which involves bending as the signal enters a different medium, like air through water or vice versa. Absorption occurs when the signal is absorbed by the material of the object, which can occur with certain types of surfaces or materials that do not allow the signal to bounce back effectively.

This highlights the complexity of how RADAR works in real-world scenarios. Depending on the nature of the object (e.g., its size, shape, and material), different interactions with the RADAR signal may take place. Hence, the idea that the signal can be refracted or absorbed captures the broader range of possible outcomes when a RADAR signal encounters various objects.