Why is the angle important in radar speed detection?

The angle is crucial in radar speed detection because it directly influences the Doppler shift, which in turn impacts the accuracy of the speed readings. When the radar beam hits a moving object at an angle, the frequency of the reflected signal is altered based on the speed of that object relative to the radar unit. This shift, known as the Doppler effect, is what allows the radar unit to calculate the target's speed accurately. If the angle is significant, the speed measurement can be skewed, leading to inaccurate readings. Thus, maintaining a proper angle helps ensure that the speed detection system provides reliable data, as it minimizes potential errors caused by the geometry of the radar signal's interaction with moving objects.