Why must the attenuation coefficient be multiplied by 2 when calculating total intensity reduction?

The attenuation coefficient is a key factor in understanding how radar signals diminish in strength when they pass through obstacles such as precipitation or other atmospheric phenomena. When calculating the total intensity reduction of the radar signal, it is essential to multiply the attenuation coefficient by 2 to account for the fact that the radar signal travels to the target and then back to the radar receiver.

This means that the radar signal experiences the effects of attenuation during both the outbound journey (as it travels toward the target) and the inbound journey (as it returns after interacting with the target). Consequently, by doubling the attenuation coefficient this way, you ensure that you accurately reflect the total loss of intensity that occurs due to the medium through which the radar waves have traveled.

Other choices do not accurately represent the reason for multiplying the coefficient. For instance, while radar calibration is important for precision, it does not directly relate to the physical losses incurred by the radar signals during their propagation. Atmospheric variations can affect the radar signal, but the specific question regards total intensity reduction due to attenuation, not the variability of atmospheric conditions. Lastly, measuring any signal boost would not involve increasing a factor related to attenuation, as signal boosts pertain to amplification rather than reduction.