3.5.7

Microwaves

Test yourself

Microwaves

Microwaves are the 6th type of wave in the electromagnetic spectrum.

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Uses

  • Microwaves are used for the purpose of satellite communications (transmitting signals between stations on Earth and satellites).
  • Microwaves are also used to transmit signal from a nearby phone mast (transmitter) to a mobile phone.
  • Microwaves are absorbed by water, heating up the water in the process. This makes microwaves useful for cooking food because food contains lots of water.
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Risks

  • Because humans are largely made up of water, exposure to microwaves could have a harmful effect.
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Safety

  • We should always reduce any exposure to microwaves.
  • As with X-rays, always have some sort of shielding between the source of microwaves and living tissue.
  • An example of this is the protective shielding on microwave ovens.

Jump to other topics

1Motion, Forces & Energy

1.1Physical Quantities & Measurement Techniques

1.2Motion

1.3Mass & Weight

1.4Density

1.5Forces: Effects of Forces

1.6Forces: Turning Effects of Forces

1.7Forces: Centre of Gravity

1.8Momentum

1.9Energy, Work, & Power: Energy

1.10Energy, Work & Power: Work

1.11Energy, Work & Power: Energy Resources

1.12Energy, Work & Power: Power

1.13Pressure

2Thermal Physics

3Waves

4Electricity & Magnetism

4.1Simple Phenomena of Magnetism

4.2Electrical Quantities: Electric Charge

4.3Electrical Quantities: Electric Current

4.4Electromotive Force & Potential Difference

4.5Electrical Quantities: Resistance

4.6Electrical Energy & Electrical Power

4.7Electric Circuits: Circuit Diagrams & Components

4.8Electric Circuits: Series & Parallel Circuits

4.9Electric Circuits: Action & Use

4.10Electrical Safety

4.11Electromagnetic Effects: Electromagnetic Induction

4.12Electromagnetic Effects: The A.C. Generator

4.13Magnetic Effect of a Current

4.14Force on a Current-Carrying Conductor

4.15Electromagnetic Effects: The D.C. Motor

4.16Electromagnetic Effects: The Transformer

5Nuclear Physics

6Space Physics

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