When the subject of microwaves comes up, most people conjure up images of those handy little appliances which heat and cook food and make our lives more convenient. Microwave ovens utilize microwave technology, but microwave circuits are much more than just appliances. Here is information on this technology and why it plays an important role in industry today.
Defining Microwaves
A microwave is a tiny wave of energy formed by electromagnetism. It travels at the speed of light and in specific frequencies similar to those used in the broadcasting medium. However microwaves are shorter than standard radio or television waves.
Electromagnetism
In order to understand how microwave circuits work, it’s best to have a good understanding of electromagnetic energy. Microwaves work in a manner similar to a rock thrown into water. When the rock first hits, waves of energy spread out in all directions and create a ripple effect. Those waves in the water move in an up and down motion in right angles to the direction of travel, and are called transverse waves. Microwaves are also transverse waves. Instead of moving through water, they are sound waves moving through the air. However, unlike waves of water, microwaves do not need a medium to move through. The waves consist of stored energy released through an electromagnetic force.
Microwave Radiation
When electric current passes through a conductor, both electrical and magnetic energy is created. Like the stone dropped into water, waves of electromagnetic energy pass from the conductor in the same manner. If these waves vibrate at a high enough rate, they will travel off into space, creating a cloud or zone of energy.
Microwaves are not Radioactive
Some people believe microwaves are dangerous like x-rays and gamma rays, but this is not the case. It’s all about frequency when it comes to radiation. The radiation created by microwave circuits in ovens and communications equipment is non ionizing.
Ionizing rays like x-rays vibrate at a much higher frequency. In fact, the frequency of dangerous ionizing rays can be millions or billions of cycles per second and this is why they can be lethal. These rays can be so intense they can cause cells and DNA to mutate, and this is a known cause of cancer.
Microwaves affect molecules in things and makes them vibrate, creating heat. A microwave oven does not make your food radioactive. These waves are safe to be around and are passing through the air all the time without you knowing it.
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