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Biologik
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If infared radiation is responsible for somethings heat, why do microwaves use radio waves?
Deadon2 said:Microwaves are used because their wavelength is proportional to the dimensions of the cavity of the appliance (18 - 24 inches or so).
As the previous poster said, any electomagnetic wave will heat the outside of an object if it is intense enough.
RenasontsMan said:No, microwaves are used because they are very readily absorbed by water molecules.
No, any electromagnetic wave will heat an object, period. Less intensity merely heats the object less.
You CAN use visible spectrum, if the body's hot enough. Fire a piece of wood and it will radiate red. Infrared is emited at lower temperatures because it requires less energy (less heat to put into body) to radiate.Pythagorean said:Still, why is infrared associated with heat? What's the physical mechanism behind using infrared detection as a substitute for heat detection? Why not ultarviolet or visible spectrum, for instance?
Redbelly98 said:And the sun is hotter still, hot enough to radiate uv which you can detect by getting a sunburn.
Infrared energy and radio waves are both forms of electromagnetic radiation, which means they are composed of photons and can transfer energy. Infrared energy is characterized by longer wavelengths and lower frequencies compared to radio waves. Both types of radiation can cause molecules to vibrate, which leads to an increase in temperature.
Microwaves use radio waves because they are able to penetrate deeper into food and other materials compared to infrared energy. This allows for more efficient and even heating, as the radio waves are able to reach the center of the food and heat it from the inside out.
Infrared energy can technically be used in microwaves, but it would not be as effective as using radio waves. Infrared energy has shorter wavelengths and higher frequencies compared to radio waves, which means it would not be able to penetrate as deeply into food and would result in uneven heating.
Microwaves use a component called a magnetron to generate radio waves. These radio waves are then directed into the microwave chamber where they interact with the molecules in the food, causing them to vibrate and generate heat. The heat is then transferred to the rest of the food, heating it evenly and quickly.
Yes, it is safe to use microwaves that emit radio waves. The FDA has established strict regulations and safety standards for microwave ovens to ensure that they do not emit harmful levels of radiation. As long as the microwave is used according to the manufacturer's instructions, it is safe to use on a regular basis.