Radar/EM Wave Queries (reflection and scattering)... [HELP!]

[hi i'm noodle]

1. The problem statement, all variables and given/known data

Hey, I'm writing a report on applications of radar at the moment and just have a few tasty questions about radar/EM wave propagation...

Firstly, I understand that active radar relies on radio waves scattering off bodies with differing properties of conductivity/dielectric constant (metals for example).

I’ve read that nowadays, though, alot of radar systems use microwaves instead of radiowaves, so I'm assuming these scatter off the same types of objects?

Do all forms of EM radiation (radio through to gamma) scatter just depending on properties of conduction? If not, which do?

Please get back to me ASAP, thanks very much in advance for any help!

Noodle

2. Relevant equations - none really needed
3. The attempt at a solution - already researched theory like skin depth for all EM waves, but just wanted a definite answer

[mgb_phys]

I’ve read that nowadays, though, alot of radar systems use microwaves instead of radiowaves, so I'm assuming these scatter off the same types of objects?
Microwaves are radio waves with a wavelength of a few cm. There is no real distinction.


Do all forms of EM radiation (radio through to gamma) scatter just depending on properties of conduction? If not, which do?
As you get to shorter wavelengths ( > visible ) the mechanisms change a little but fundementally the same principle.

[berkeman]

1. The problem statement, all variables and given/known data

Hey, I'm writing a report on applications of radar at the moment and just have a few tasty questions about radar/EM wave propagation...

Firstly, I understand that active radar relies on radio waves scattering off bodies with differing properties of conductivity/dielectric constant (metals for example).

I’ve read that nowadays, though, alot of radar systems use microwaves instead of radiowaves, so I'm assuming these scatter off the same types of objects?

Do all forms of EM radiation (radio through to gamma) scatter just depending on properties of conduction? If not, which do?

Please get back to me ASAP, thanks very much in advance for any help!

Noodle

2. Relevant equations - none really needed
3. The attempt at a solution - already researched theory like skin depth for all EM waves, but just wanted a definite answer

Welcome to the PF. Microwaves are radio waves. The different RF bands have different designations, based on wavelength:

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Radio_waves

The wavelength you use for a particular radar setup will depend on the size of the objects you are trying to detect, and whether line-of-sight or over-the-horizon capability is the goal.

[berkeman]

Okay, this is getting out of hand. I'm going to log off now for a while. mgb is just way too fast for me today.