In our previous session, we learned what is meant by the electromagnetic spectrum. The electromagnetic spectrum consists of electromagnetic waves, visible light waves, X-rays,
gamma rays, radio waves, microwaves, ultraviolet and infrared waves. In this article, let us know about one of the types of waves – the microwaves and properties of microwaves.
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What is a Microwave?
Microwaves are electromagnetic radiations, also known as microwave radiation. Microwaves have a frequency ranging between 300 MHz and 300 GHz. The wavelength of microwaves ranges from 1 mm to around 30 cm. Microwave radiations lie in between the radio waves and infrared radiations. Microwaves are short-wavelength radio waves having frequencies in the gigahertz (GHz) range. These microwaves are produced by dedicated vacuum tubes, known as klystrons, magnetrons, and Gunn diodes.
The micro oven is a simple device that uses microwaves for heating and cooking purposes. Microwaves can pass through glass and plastic. Hence, when we keep food in plastic or glass containers to heat in an oven it does not melt the container. The microwave is reflected by metal surfaces. In an oven, the frequency of the microwaves is complemented with the resonant frequency of water molecules. This is done because the energy from waves is transferred to the molecules. This raises the temperature of any food containing water. Let us now understand what is meant by a microwave.
Read more: Applications of microwaves
What are the Properties of Microwaves?
Properties of microwaves or microwave radiation are listed below.
- They are the radiations capable of radiating electromagnetic energy with shorter wavelengths.
- Microwaves are reflected by metal surfaces.
- The transmission of microwaves is affected by phenomena like refraction, diffraction, reflection, and interference.
- They can easily pass through glass and plastics, and hence are used in heating and cooking in an oven.
- They are easily attenuated within shorter distances.
- These radiations are not reflected by the Ionosphere.
- Microwave radiation can pass through the atmosphere. Hence, microwaves are used in the satellite communication sector to transmit information back and forth to the satellite. We can know why satellite dishes are made of metal since they reflect microwave radiation.
- Microwaves travel in a straight line and are reflected by the conducting surfaces.
- Microwave currents have the capacity to flow through a thin layer of a cable.
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Frequently Asked Questions – FAQs
Define microwaves?
Microwaves are electromagnetic radiations also known as microwave radiation. Microwaves have a frequency ranging between 300 MHz and 300 GHz. The wavelength of microwaves ranges from 1 mm to around 30 cm.
List three properties of microwaves.
The following are the properties of microwaves:
- Microwave currents have the capacity to flow through a thin layer of a cable.
- Microwaves are reflected by metal surfaces.
- They are easily attenuated within shorter distances.
What are the waves present in an electromagnetic spectrum?
Waves present in an electromagnetic spectrum are: electromagnetic waves, visible light waves, X-rays, gamma rays, radio waves, microwaves, ultraviolet and infrared waves.
Can microwaves pass through glass?
How are microwaves produced?
Microwaves are produced by special vacuum tubes referred to as klystrons, magnetrons, and Gunn diodes.
nicely explained the electromagnetic radiations and microwave radiations.