What happens to the radar waves when they hit static objects?

When radar waves encounter static objects, they are primarily reflected back to the sensor. This reflection occurs because radar waves are electromagnetic waves that bounce off surfaces. The effectiveness of this reflection depends on several factors, including the material of the object, its shape, and its size. When the object is large compared to the wavelength of the radar, more energy is reflected back towards the radar sensor, allowing it to effectively detect the presence and distance of the object. This principle underlies the operation of radar systems, as the returning waves provide crucial information about the environment being monitored, enabling accurate positioning and tracking of objects.

The other options describe interactions that can occur but are not the primary response to static objects. Radar waves are not typically absorbed by objects like radar-absorbing materials or dispersed in random directions; instead, they are mainly reflected unless the object is specifically designed to reduce reflection. If the radar waves were to scatter, it could complicate detection and would not yield a clear return signal to the sensor, which is essential for accurate radar functionality. Continuing to travel indefinitely does not happen as the waves will eventually disperse or be absorbed by the medium they travel through. Thus, the reflection of radar waves when they hit static objects is the most straightforward and