Microwaves – Class 12 | Chapter – 8 | Physics Short Notes Series PDF for NEET & JEE

Microwaves: Microwaves are a type of electromagnetic radiation with wavelengths ranging from about 1 millimeter to 1 meter, and frequencies ranging from about 300 MHz to 300 GHz.  Microwave radiation is commonly referred to as microwaves. They fall between infrared radiation and radio waves in the electromagnetic spectrum. 

Properties of Microwaves

Microwaves are a type of electromagnetic radiation with unique properties, including:

  • Wavelength: The wavelength of microwaves ranges from about 1 millimeter to 1 meter, which is longer than the wavelength of visible light but shorter than that of radio waves.
  • Frequency: The frequency of microwaves ranges from about 300 MHz to 300 GHz, which is higher than the frequency of radio waves but lower than that of infrared radiation.
  • Penetration: Microwaves can penetrate through many materials, including some types of metal, plastic, and glass, but they are absorbed by water and other substances that contain polar molecules.
  • Reflection: Microwaves can be reflected by metal surfaces, making them useful for radar systems and other applications that require the detection of objects.
  • Absorption: Microwaves are absorbed by water and other substances that contain polar molecules, making them useful for cooking and heating applications.
  • Interference: Microwaves can interfere with each other, which can cause signal distortion and noise in communication and other systems.
  • Polarization: Microwaves can be polarized, which means that the electric field oscillates in a particular direction. Polarization can be either linear or circular.
  • Doppler effect: The frequency of microwaves can be shifted by the Doppler effect, allowing them to be used in radar systems to measure the speed and direction of moving objects.

Applications of Microwaves

Microwaves are used in many applications, including:

  • Microwave ovens: Microwaves are used to heat food quickly and efficiently in microwave ovens. The microwaves cause water molecules in the food to vibrate, generating heat that cooks the food.
  • Communication: Microwaves are used in communication systems, including satellite, television, and cell phone networks. They can transmit large amounts of information quickly and over long distances.
  • Radar: Microwaves are used in radar systems to detect the presence, location, and speed of objects, and are used in military, aviation, and weather forecasting applications.
  • Medical treatment: Microwaves are used in medical applications, including cancer treatment, where high-frequency microwaves are used to destroy cancerous tissue.
  • Remote sensing: Microwaves are used in remote sensing applications, including weather forecasting, oceanography, and satellite mapping, allowing scientists to study the earth from space.
  • Industrial processing: Microwaves are used in industrial processing applications, including drying, curing, and cooking, where they can be used to heat and process materials quickly and efficiently.
  • Spectroscopy: Microwaves are used in spectroscopy, allowing scientists to study the properties of materials by measuring the way they interact with microwaves.

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By Team Learning Mantras