What Are Microwaves Used for?

Microwave Ovens

• One of the best known uses for microwaves, microwave ovens use a magnetron to produce microwaves. The food inside the microwave oven absorbs these waves, which cause the water molecules to move faster, creating heat. The rate of heating varies according to the moisture content, shape and size of the food, causing uneven absorption and heating in many foods. Microwave ovens generally cook much more quickly than conventional ovens because the molecular friction causes the temperature to rise rapidly.

Radar

• Microwaves can penetrate atmospheric conditions such as smoke, haze, fog, pollution and light precipitation, which makes it possible to "see" things with radar that are not otherwise visible. Radar is an acronym for "radio detection and ranging." It works by transmitting bursts of microwaves, then recording the waves as they are reflected by other objects. Radar is used in weather forecasting, satellite imaging and air traffic control and navigation.

Communications

• Microwave relay stations and transmission towers form a reliable network for communication by radio, satellite, cell phone and Internet. The ability to transmit through adverse atmospheric conditions is a benefit, but microwaves travel in a straight line and require transmission towers to relay them in different directions. Microwaves offer large amounts of bandwidth for radio transmissions, which alleviates the overcrowding of lower frequencies and allows vast amounts of information to be transmitted wirelessly.