What does a radar listen for between transmitted pulses?

The correct answer highlights the core functionality of radar technology, which is based on the principles of emitting radio waves and analyzing the returns. When a radar system transmits a pulse, it sends out a signal into the environment. This signal encounters various objects, like aircraft or weather formations, and some of it reflects back toward the radar system.

During the time interval between these transmitted pulses, the radar is actively listening for these echoes or reflections that return to the system. The ability to capture and analyze these echoes allows the radar to determine the position, speed, and characteristics of the object that reflected the signal. The reflections provide critical information that radar systems rely on to identify and track targets effectively.

While noise and signals are present in the environment, they are not the primary focus of what the radar specifically listens for. Data, while important in the context of radar operation, refers more to the information processed from the received signals rather than being the type of input the radar is actively listening for during the pause between pulses.