How does Pulse Width affect radar resolution?

Shorter pulse widths provide better range resolution because they allow radar systems to distinguish between two closely spaced targets. Range resolution is directly related to the time duration of the pulse emitted by the radar; shorter pulses create more distinct reflections from objects. This capability is crucial for accurately measuring distances to multiple targets without confusion, as the decrease in pulse duration effectively enhances the radar's ability to separate targets that are physically close to one another.

In contrast, longer pulse widths would result in overlapping echoes from nearby targets, degrading the radar's ability to resolve their individual ranges. Furthermore, the other responses do not accurately depict the impact of pulse width on radar resolution. Thus, the understanding of range resolution in the context of pulse width is fundamental for interpreting radar performance.