Why can’t manufacturers include a sturdy gps system inside of a plane’s “black box”
They could, but it would be useless. Water is very good at abzorbing electromagnetic radiation, and the radio signals that GPS uses can only penetrate a few meters. So unless the plane crashed in very shallow water, the GPS wouldn't even get a signal.
The Short Answer
They could, but it would be useless. Water is very good at abzorbing electromagnetic radiation, and the radio signals that GPS uses can only penetrate a few meters. So unless the plane crashed in very shallow water, the GPS wouldn't even get a signal.
Analysis
Key Concepts: Water, useless, good
This explanation focuses on water, useless, good and spans 44 words across 3 sentences. At 41% below the average Technology explanation (75 words), the answer takes a direct, no-frills approach — sometimes the simplest explanation is the most effective.
What This Answer Covers
The explanation opens with: “They could, but it would be useless.” It then elaborates by presenting a contrasting perspective, ultimately building toward a complete picture across 3 connected points.
How This Compares in Technology
Ranked #358 of 500 Technology questions by answer depth (top 72%). This is in the concise tier — a focused explanation that prioritizes clarity over exhaustiveness. Many readers prefer this level of directness.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is there a simple explanation for why manufacturers include a sturdy gps system inside of a plane's "black box"?
They could, but it would be useless. Water is very good at abzorbing electromagnetic radiation, and the radio signals that GPS uses can only penetrate a few meters. So unless the plane crashed in very shallow water, the GPS wouldn't even get a…
How detailed is this explanation compared to similar Technology questions?
This is a focused answer at 44 words, ranked #358 of 500 Technology questions by depth. The key concepts covered are water, useless, good.
What approach does this answer take to explain manufacturers include a sturdy gps system inside of a plane'?
The explanation uses contrasting perspectives across 44 words. It is categorized under Technology and addresses the question through 1 analytical lens.