How does frequency affect radar's ability to penetrate obstacles?

The correct answer indicates that higher frequencies can indeed face limitations when it comes to penetrating obstacles compared to lower frequencies. This phenomenon is rooted in the physics of electromagnetic waves. Higher frequency waves tend to have shorter wavelengths, which makes them more susceptible to scattering and absorption by obstacles such as walls, vegetation, and other materials. As a result, they are often reflected or blocked rather than penetrating through these barriers.

In contrast, lower frequency waves possess longer wavelengths, allowing them to diffract around obstacles and penetrate materials more effectively. This capability makes lower frequencies more advantageous for applications requiring penetration through solid objects, such as ground-penetrating radar or certain types of surveillance.

The other options provided either inaccurately state the effectiveness of lower frequencies in general or incorrectly suggest that frequency has no impact on penetration capabilities, which does not align with the established principles of radar operation and wave behavior.