Question

A microwave oven operates at a frequency of approximately 2450 MHz. What is the corresponding wavelength? Water, with its polar molecules, absorbs electromagnetic radiation primarily in the infrared portion of the spectrum. Given this fact, why are microwave ovens used for cooking food?

Answer 1

Microwave oven produces thermal radiations which includes infrared radiations and other electromagnetic waves. The intensity of these radiations is very high. Water being a polar molecule absorbs infrared radiations and produces heating effect. As the intensity of the radiation is very high, the heat produced due to the absorption of infrared radiation is very high. This heat heats up the water molecules quickly and helps in cooking food.