Understanding How Radar Tracks Aircraft and Calculates Time Percentages

If a radar tracks an aircraft 30 times in one minute, what percentage of the time is it tracking?

• A. 25%
• B. 50%
• C. 75%
• D. 100%

Answer: (B)

To determine the percentage of time the radar is actively tracking the aircraft, it’s important to understand how frequently the radar is making these tracking instances in relation to the total potential tracking opportunities within that minute. The radar tracks the aircraft 30 times in one minute, which is equivalent to 60 seconds. If we consider that the radar could theoretically track once every second, it would complete 60 tracking instances in one minute (60 seconds). Therefore, to find the percentage of time the radar is tracking, we calculate how many tracking instances it performs compared to the total possible instances. In this case: - 30 tracking instances (actual) out of 60 possible instances (total) leads to the equation: \[ \text{Percentage} = \left( \frac{30}{60} \right) \times 100 \] This simplifies to: \[ \text{Percentage} = 0.5 \times 100 = 50\% \] Hence, the radar tracks the aircraft 50% of the time since it successfully records 30 tracking instances out of a possible 60 in that one-minute timeframe. The correct choice reflects this calculation accurately, confirming that the radar is indeed tracking half of the time within that minute.

What's the Radar Up To? Understanding Tracking Percentages

Picture this: you're standing in a control room, a flurry of data lighting up the screens in front of you. The radar is busy tracking an aircraft—30 times in one minute, to be exact. But what's the story behind those numbers? How can we break them down to understand what percentage of the time the radar is actively tracking?

Let’s unravel this interesting conundrum together.

Breaking Down The Tracking Instances

To really get a grip on the situation, we need to look at the basics. We know that the radar makes 30 tracking instances in one minute—now, this might seem straightforward, but there’s a little more context here. One minute has 60 seconds, meaning theoretically, the radar could track something once every second. So, if it can potentially perform 60 tracking actions within that timeframe, we need to compare how many it actually did against what it could have done.

You might be thinking, "Okay, but how does that relate to what percentage of the time it’s tracking?" Well, here’s how you break it down:

• Actual Tracking Instances: 30

• Possible Tracking Instances: 60

The Math Magic: Finding the Percentage

Now that we have our numbers, it’s time for a bit of math. This is where it gets fun! To find out what percentage of time the radar was tracking, we can use a simple formula:

[

\text{Percentage} = \left( \frac{\text{Actual Tracking Instances}}{\text{Possible Tracking Instances}} \right) \times 100

]

Plugging in our numbers gives us:

[

\text{Percentage} = \left( \frac{30}{60} \right) \times 100

]

When you simplify this, it becomes:

[

\text{Percentage} = 0.5 \times 100 = 50%

]

So, voilà! The radar is tracking the aircraft 50% of the time. Half the time, it's on point, capturing data like a champion.

Why 50% Matters

Now, you might wonder why it's essential to know this percentage. Well, understanding tracking efficiency can be crucial in various fields—from aviation safety to military operations. If the radar is only tracking half the time, that could be a concern, right? It raises questions of reliability and coverage. After all, in vital scenarios like air traffic control, precise tracking is essential; no one wants a miscommunication when it comes to navigating the skies!

Radar Technology: A Quick Dive

Let’s take a quick detour into radar technology for a moment. It's fascinating how radar systems work. They send out radio waves and measure the time it takes for those waves to bounce back after hitting an object. This logarithmic data helps in determining everything from speed to distance. If we think about it, radar technology is akin to having a super-smart friend who can see more than the average eye and warns you about what’s coming ahead, giving you that much-needed situational awareness.

Moreover, modern radar isn’t just about tracking aircraft; it plays a pivotal role in weather monitoring, traffic analysis, and even in some healthcare applications. The possibilities are as vast as they are intriguing.

A Final Thought: Application Beyond Numbers

Understanding metrics like these goes beyond mere numbers; it teaches us to ask the right questions: How efficiently is information being collected? Is there a need for improvement? Are we optimally utilizing technology? Keeping track of percentages gives us insights that can lead to better decision-making, whether it’s in aviation or any other field that requires accuracy.

So, the next time you hear about tracking percentages—or even spot a radar screen displaying those numbers—remember the simple yet critical mathematics behind it. The radar doesn’t just collect data; it keeps our skies, our roads, and even our data systems safer and more efficient.

In essence, while 30 tracking instances in a minute may seem ordinary at first glance, the analysis reveals layers of importance and relevance. And that's the beauty of it—you never know what fascinating insights are waiting just beneath the surface of a seemingly simple question!