How Long Is the Wave Packet from a Radar Transmitter?

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The discussion focuses on calculating the length of a wave packet produced by a radar transmitter emitting 2.0 cm wavelength pulses lasting 0.25 μs. The propagation speed of radio waves is determined to be 80,000 m/s, while the frequency corresponding to the wavelength is calculated to be 1.5e10 Hz. The minimum bandwidth of the receiver is found to be 6.36e5 Hz based on the duration of the pulse. Participants express confusion about the definitions and calculations related to wave packets, seeking clarification on the concepts. Overall, the thread emphasizes the importance of understanding wave properties in radar applications.
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Homework Statement

A radar transmitter used to measure the speed of pitched baseballs emits pulses of 2.0 cm wavelength that are .25 μs in duration. a) What is the length of the wave packet produced? b) To what frequency should the receiver be tuned? c) What must be the minimum bandwidth of the receiver?



Homework Equations


ΔkΔx≈1
ΔωΔt≈1



The Attempt at a Solution


Part c) was easy enough. ΔωΔt≈1 → Δω≈1/Δt = 1/.00000025 = 4000000

4000000/2π = 6.36e5 Hz

The others? I have no idea. The section of the text barely defines what a wave packet is and I've read through it at least three times.

I would appreciate some help getting started.
 
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a) What is the propagation speed of radio waves? What physical length does a 0.25 us pulse correspond to?
b) You know the wavelength, what frequency does that correspond to?
 
marcusl said:
a) What is the propagation speed of radio waves? What physical length does a 0.25 us pulse correspond to?
b) You know the wavelength, what frequency does that correspond to?

a) v = .02 m/.00000025 s = 80000 m/s What do I do now?

b) Ooh... *facepalm* f = c/λ = 3e8/.02 = 1.5e10
 
b is correct, a not at all. What is the speed of light?
 
3e8(.25e-6) = 75

*facepalm again* Thank you
 
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