E G2 Campos-Saubon Microwaves

MICROWAVES
~ Science Q2 ~
What are
Microwaves?
Microwaves are a type of wave that are in between radio waves and
infrared waves on the electromagnetic spectrum. It is a form of
electromagnetic radiation with wavelengths ranging from about one
meter to one millimeter corresponding to frequencies between 300
MHz and 300 GHz respectively. In contrast, the wavelength ranges
from 1 mm to around 30 cm.
QUICK FACT:
THE DISCOVERY OF MICROWAVES
Microwaves were first predicted by James Clerk Maxwell in 1864 by the
use of his equations. Later during 1888 Heinrich Hertz proved the existence
of microwaves by building a device that produced and detected microwave
radiation.
Properties of
Microwaves
Properties of
Microwaves
1) Metal surfaces 2) Microwaves of 3) Microwaves 4) Microwaves 5) Microwaves 6) 7)

reflect certain are affected by radiate
can pass through Microwaves Microwaves
electromagnetic
microwaves. frequencies are wave effects like glass and plastic. travel in a can pass
energy with a
absorbed by reflection, shorter straight line. through the
water. refraction, etc. wavelength.
atmosphere.
Microwaves are produced
DIDinside the oven by an electron
YOU tube called a Magnetron.
KNOW?
Applications of
Microwaves
• Satellite communication
- Microwaves are used in satellite communications because it can
penetrate the earth’s atmosphere.
• Terrestrial communication
- A cell phone is a radio transmitter and receiver that uses
microwaves.
• Cooking
- The microwaves in a microwave oven penetrate and agitate the
water molecules within the food.
PRIMARY USES OF
MICROWAVES
SMARTPHONES RADAR
The wireless Wi-Fi systems in homes, offices, RADAR stands for Radio Detection and Ranging
restaurants, libraries and everywhere else uses
microwave radiation instead of wires to connect Radar technology is considered an active remote sensing
devices. Smartphones, laptops, printers, smart
speakers and routers transmit and receive system because it actively sends a microwave pulse and
microwave signals via Wi-Fi. Microwave antenna senses the energy reflected back.It can measure and
systems on cell-phone towers relay signals determine the height of the surface. One such example is
between phones, or connect phones to the The Japanese Advanced Microwave Scanning Radiometer
internet, using frequencies ranging from for EOS. It is an instrument onboard NASA’s Aqua satellite
hundreds of MHz to tens of GHz, depending on that can acquire high-resolution microwave measurements of
commercial carrier and generation— 3G, 4G or the entire polar region every day, even with all the through
5G. clouds, cold weather, and snowfall.
Effects of EM on Living organisms:
From the practical applications of EM waves discussed above, we can
conclude that these waves are significant to us. But, even essential forms of
radiation can be harmful in excessive amount.
Radio waves, microwaves, infrared, visible light and ultraviolet are

nonionizing radiation. We are exposed to low levels of non-ionizing
radiation every day. When the exposure is intense and direct, it may result
in damage to tissue due to heat. Right amount of non-ionizing radiation like
UV rays maintain the proper mechanism of ecosystem but too much can
cause harm to us living creatures.
Microwave radiation can heat body tissue the same way it heats food. Exposure to
high levels of microwaves can cause a painful burn. Two areas of the body, the
eyes and the testes, are particularly vulnerable to RF heating because there is
relatively little blood flow in them to carry away excess heat.
FUN FACT!
DID YOU KNOW THAT MICROWAVES GIVE US CLUES
ABOUT THE BIG BANG?
On May 20, 1964, American radio astronomers Robert Wilson

and Arno Penzias picked up an odd buzzing sound that came
from all parts of the sky at all times. They thought it was
pigeons in their antennas at first but they would soon see that it
was bigger than they have ever thought.
“When we first heard that inexplicable 'hum,' we didn’t

understand its significance, and we never dreamed it would be
connected to the origins of the universe,"
And it was indeed big. Penzias and Wilson had spotted the Cosmic Microwave Background
(CMB), the predicted thermal echo of the universe's explosive birth. As the theory goes, when
the universe was born it underwent rapid inflation, expansion and cooling. Suggesting that the
cosmos did indeed grow from a tiny seed — a single point — about 13.8 billion years ago.
You can't see the CMB with your naked eye, but it is everywhere in the universe. It is invisible
to humans because it is so cold, just 2.725 degrees above absolute zero.
With this amazing discovery, the two radio astronomers went on to win the 1978 Nobel Prize in
physics.
Thank
you!

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MICROWAVES

1) Metal surfaces 2) Microwaves of 3) Microwaves 4) Microwaves 5) Microwaves 6) 7)

Radio waves, microwaves, infrared, visible light and ultraviolet are

On May 20, 1964, American radio astronomers Robert Wilson

“When we first heard that inexplicable 'hum,' we didn’t

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