Pulse radar is particularly effective for determining what?

Pulse radar is particularly effective for determining a target's relative velocity because it uses the Doppler effect to measure changes in frequency of the returned radar signal. When the radar signal reflects off a moving target, if the target is approaching the radar, the frequency of the returned signal will be higher than the transmitted frequency, and if the target is receding, the frequency will be lower. This shift in frequency, known as the Doppler shift, enables the radar system to calculate the target's speed and direction of movement relative to the radar source, making it highly effective for assessing relative velocity.

While pulse radar can provide information on a target's distance through the time it takes for the pulse to return, its primary advantage lies in its ability to measure how quickly that target is moving relative to the radar itself. It does not inherently determine a target's shape or altitude, which are better assessed by other types of radar or techniques.