Question

The main advantage of microwave is that-

• A. Highly directive
• B. Moves at the speed of light.
• C. $\frac{\mathrm{S}}{\mathrm{n}}$ ratio greater.
• D. High penetration power.

Answer 1

The correct option is A

Highly directive

Explanation for correct option:

Option (a) Highly directive

1. Directivity is inversely linked to the wavelength of electromagnetic waves, and microwaves have the shortest range of wavelength, one metre to one millimetre, it is extremely directive, which is one of its key benefits over other waves.
2. It should be noted that microwaves are utilized in point-to-point communication, radar, satellite, and spacecraft communication, and the most prevalent usage in everyday life is cooking, with ovens using microwaves for cooking the food material inside them.
3. Hence, option (a) is the correct option.

Explanation for incorrect options:

Option (b) Moves at the speed of light.

1. All electromagnetic waves travel at the speed of light, so, this is neither a benefit nor a disadvantage of microwaves.
2. Hence, this option is wrong.

Option (c) $\frac{\mathrm{S}}{\mathrm{n}}$ ratio greater.

1. $\frac{\mathrm{S}}{\mathrm{n}}$ denotes the signal-to-noise power ratio, and microwaves don't have particularly high values of this factor; thus, they don't have this benefit.
2. So, this option is incorrect.

Option (d) High penetration power.

1. Gamma rays have the greatest penetrating strength and not the microwaves.
2. It is not possibly the right answer.

Hence, the correct option is (a).