Microwaves in the Modern World

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Microwaves in the Modern World

This lesson aligns with NGSS PS4.C

Introduction

Microwaves are an integral part of our daily lives as their best role is in our kitchen when it comes to reheating your leftover food. However, microwaves have much broader usage in the modern world. In this article, we will learn more about microwaves, their history, properties, and the role of microwaves in today's world.

What are Microwaves?

Microwaves are electromagnetic waves with wavelengths ranging from 30 centimeters to 1 millimeter with frequencies 1000MHz to 300GHz. So, the prefix “micro” doesn't mean that the wavelengths are micro in length. However, their wavelengths are smaller than radio waves and larger than infrared radiation.

Microwaves don't have the energy to ionize atoms or molecules, which means they are non-ionizing. Because of this feature, these waves are safe for use in a variety of applications, including scientific research, cooking, and telecommunications.

Who Discovered Microwaves?

Several scientists contributed to discovering microwaves in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. In 1873, James Clerk Maxwell developed the basic equations known as Maxwell's, which explain the behavior of electromagnetic waves with the ability to travel in space with short wavelengths.

In 1888, another physicist observed these waves and demonstrated the existence of electromagnetic waves using primitive spark radio transmitters while generating radio waves. Later, in 1945, Percy Spencer discovered the heating potential of these waves when he noticed a candy bar in his pocket melted in front of a magnetron ( a device that generates microwaves). On this basis, a microwave oven was invented for kitchen purposes.

Properties Of Microwaves

Because of the unique characteristics of microwaves, it is beneficial for various application. Here are some key features of microwaves explained:

Microwaves have shorter wavelengths (30cm to 1mm) and lower frequencies in the GHz range.
Because of the limited ability of Microwaves, which can pass through objects like glass, plastic, and food. They are absorbed by water, fats, and other substances, so it is effective in heating or cooking food.
Microwaves are more useful in communication and radar applications because of their capacity to undergo reflection and refraction when they come in contact with various materials.
Since microwave radiation is non-ionizing, it lacks the energy to damage chemical bonds or ionise atoms or molecules. Because of this feature, they are safe for a wide range of uses.

Role Of Microwaves In Modern World

In the modern era, apart from heating food in microwave ovens, these waves have a wide range of effects on many industries and uses. The following are some of the ways that microwaves benefit this modern world.

RADAR Technology

Radar stands for "radio detection and ranging," technology is based mostly on microwaves. Radar systems employ microwaves to track and locate objects, estimate their velocity, and give updates about weather conditions. Radars are used for many purposes, such as military inspection, weather forecasting, and air traffic management.

Wireless Networking

Microwaves are essential in wireless networking and communication, and Point-to-point communication between distant locations is achieved using microwave radio links. Long-distance data and voice signal sent by microwave transmission towers supports cellular network backhaul and telecommunications networks.

Satellite Communication

Satellite communication mainly depends on microwaves, which enable us to have phone calls, internet data, and television broadcasts to be sent with the help of geostationary satellites.

Wi-Fi (Wireless Communication)

Wi-Fi, which stands for Wireless Fidelity, is widely used in public places, homes, and workplaces. Wi-Fi operates using radio waves in the microwave range, which provides internet connectivity without the usage of physical wires.

Astronomy

Radio telescopes and microwave detectors are used to observe celestial objects that produce microwave radiation. Microwaves also helped scientists study cosmic microwave background radiation, which supports the Big Bang theory (early phenomena of universe creation).

Medical Diagnostics

In medical imaging, microwaves have paved the way for early detection technology and helped monitor medical conditions like breast cancer and other disorders.

Summary

Microwaves are shorter wavelengths and lower frequency EM waves that fall in between radio waves and infrared radiation in the electromagnetic spectrum.
There is a misconception that microwaves are not suitable for health. That is not true. Microwave radiations have low frequencies and do not have much ionizing energy, so it is considered to be safe when exposed to material like food and even the human body.
Other than just heating food, microwaves have been utilized in various technologies like RADAR and wireless technologies as well.
In astronomy and astrophysics, microwaves helped scientists to identify Cosmic rays and also to study celestial objects in space.

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