How does reflection affect the intensity of microwave?

Answer 1

-- In the microwave oven, the cavity (cooking chamber) is intentionally sized and

shaped so as to take advantage of reflection from the walls and create the desired

standing wave pattern inside the box.

-- In microwave communication, signal energy reflected from buildings, atmospheric

layer boundaries, ponds or wet grass, can be re-directed toward the receiving antenna,

and combine with the direct signal when both arrive there. Since the reflected path is

longer than the direct path, the two signals arrive at the receiver out of phase, and their

combined intensity depends on the phase difference. The sum may be anything between

zero (complete loss of received signal) and double the normal received level.

Answer 2

Reflection can increase the intensity of microwaves by causing waves to bounce back and forth, leading to constructive interference and a higher overall energy level. Conversely, if microwaves are absorbed by materials with high reflectivity, such as metal, the intensity decreases due to reduced transmission through the material.