What principle does Lidar technology operate on?

Lidar technology operates on the principle of measuring the time it takes for a laser beam to travel to an object and back. This involves emitting pulses of laser light towards a target, which then reflects the light back to the Lidar system. The device calculates the distance to the object based on how long it takes for the light to return, using the speed of light as a constant. This time measurement enables precise distance calculations, which can be used to determine the speed of moving objects by assessing the changes in distance over time.

Other options refer to different technologies or methods. Electrical impulses, for instance, relate more to electronic signaling rather than the optical principles that Lidar relies upon. The weight and speed ratio is an entirely different method not applicable to Lidar technology, which focuses on light measurement. Radar signal reflections pertain to traditional radar systems that use radio waves instead of laser light, making them fundamentally different from how Lidar operates. Thus, option B accurately encapsulates the core function of Lidar technology.