Microwaves are a type of electromagnetic radiation, as are radio waves, ultraviolet radiation, X-rays and gamma-rays. Microwaves have a range of uses, including communications, radar and, perhaps best known by most people, cooking. Microwaves are small when compared with the waves used in radio broadcasting. Their range is in between the radio waves and infrared waves. Microwaves travel in straight lines and they will be affected slightly by the troposphere. They don’t require any medium to travel, they could travel in a vacuum. Metals will reflect these waves totally. In some cases microwaves can be used to treat health problems better than drugs. Microwaves are primarily used in medical cases as an alternative to surgery. Microwaves in the field of industry are used for clean up. They can be used to decrease air pollutants, sanitize hospital waste, enhance dry cleaning solvents, and clean up polluted soil. Scientists use microwaves to make a special conductor made of copper called chalcopyrite. Microwaves can add in the process of separating chemical compounds, thus allowing scientist to individually study each component of the compound. Ew! That hurts my eyes! That's how they separate chemical compounds? I'm clueless! Microwaves are also in cellular phones, telephones, telegraphs, television, and satellites. They are useful in communication because they easily penetrate the earth's atmosphere. This comes in handy primarily for space-vehicle communication. Everyone asks: "What about my health and exposure to microwaves?" That's a very good question! Scientists are conducting experiments on microwaves and animals to see how high the risks are. When using a microwave according to manufacturers' instructions, microwave ovens are safe and convenient for heating and cooking a variety of foods. However, several precautions need to be taken, specifically with regards to possible exposure to microwaves, thermal burns and food handling. To dispel some misconceptions, it is important to realize that food cooked in a microwave oven does not become "radioactive". Nor does any microwave energy remain in the cavity or the food after the microwave oven is switched off. In this respect, microwaves act just like light; when the light bulb is turned off, no light remains. Basically, the microwave makes food hot, you can receive a burn if you pull your food out of the oven without care. Other than that, a well cleaned, maintained microwave will not harm you in the least. What about cell phones?
Should we be afraid of microwaves? NO! Logic tells us that any appliance could be dangerous: burns in the oven, bruising if you ride in the dryer, hoarseness if you talk too much into your phone, inflamed fingers if you text too much, blurry eyes if you game on the TV too much. Things in moderation and careful use can be beneficial and help us do our work. So, don't panic...
13 Comments
Abril
1/25/2017 04:23:22 pm
Today was so much fun in science
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Paige
1/25/2017 04:36:47 pm
Ew the 1st picture looks gross! Also that is interesting that phones emit energy!
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jenna
1/25/2017 05:08:42 pm
wow sweet ears dude
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stephen roper
1/25/2017 05:14:51 pm
that picture was nasty but cool at the same time
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parker
1/25/2017 05:40:42 pm
ewwwwwwww!!!!!
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1/25/2017 06:21:34 pm
microwaves are really cool and liked the pics!!!!:))::):):):)!!!
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Haley
1/25/2017 07:00:42 pm
I liked most of the pictures.
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1/25/2017 07:12:16 pm
microwaves sound super cool
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jaxon bunker
1/25/2017 07:18:08 pm
i am now afraid of going near the microwave
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Avery
1/25/2017 07:30:35 pm
Microwaves are very cool also I like most of the pictures ( not the first one ).
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Caden
1/25/2017 09:05:29 pm
Cool Pictures
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Brady
1/26/2017 07:17:24 am
WHAT!? We're not supposed to microwave our own heads? Whoops.
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Liliana
1/26/2017 07:39:05 am
The picture at the top reminds me of surgery.
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Mrs. TaylorI love science! Everything about the world is interesting and never boring. I love to study plants, animals, insects, and people. My favorite subjects are my students who are the most unique organisms on the planet! Categories |