Dielectric factor

{
  "id": "MLC-T-MET-004976",
  "term": "Dielectric factor",
  "field": "Meteorology and atmospheric science",
  "definition": "A dimensionless quantity, written |K| squared, equal to the squared magnitude of (m squared minus 1) divided by (m squared plus 2), where m is the complex refractive index of the scatterer. In radar meteorology it scales the backscattered power of small spherical particles, and it is about 0.93 for liquid water and roughly 0.2 for ice at common radar wavelengths. This difference is why ice particles return less power than raindrops of the same size and number.",
  "see_also": [
    "radar reflectivity"
  ],
  "url": "https://mlchart.com/terminology/meteorology/dielectric-factor/"
}