What is the primary function of the pulse doppler method?

The primary function of the pulse Doppler method is to detect moving targets. This technique utilizes the Doppler effect, which refers to the change in frequency or wavelength of a wave in relation to an observer moving relative to the wave source. In radar applications, it helps differentiate between static and moving objects by analyzing the frequency shifts in the returned radar signals. When radar waves bounce off a moving target, such as an aircraft or a vehicle, the frequency of the reflected waves changes according to the target's speed and direction. This enables radar systems to accurately determine the presence, speed, and direction of moving objects, making it an essential method in surveillance and tracking technologies.

The other options relate to functions that do not align with the pulse Doppler method's capabilities. For instance, detecting static objects does not utilize the principles of Doppler shifts, as these shifts are generated only when there is relative motion. Measuring temperature changes is unrelated to radar technology altogether, and detecting the speed of sound does not pertain to the Doppler radar techniques that focus specifically on the behavior of moving targets in radar systems.