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Microwaves can pass through the vacuum of space with ease. (They are subject to being bent by high gravitation like light, which is electromagnetic radiation like the microwave, but of a higher frequency.) Microwaves pass through air without a ton of loss. They can be absorbed or reflected (scattered) by different things in the air like airplanes, birds, weather systems, the usual suspects, including the air itself to some degree. The degree of interaction will depend on frequency and what is encountered. Generally, microwaves have pretty good punch through air. We use radar to look at planes and to image weather phenomenon. Microwave energy can penetrate water to some degree, but not all that far. Nothing like in air. Again, frequency determines how much (higher frequency makes for higher loss), as does what is (dissolved) in the water. The more conductive the water, the less the penetration. (Those planes that fly around over the ocean to hunt submarines don't use radar to look down through the water.) Microwaves are used in ground penetrating radar, so we know they go through earth, too. Not really well, though. The absorption and scattering are severe. Any moisture makes things really bad. Want to take a peek at what's below the markers in a graveyard? We should be able to do it. But don't even think about using it to look for oil in place of seismic technology. Microwaves won't pass through metal. A household microwave oven has a metal cavity (the cooking space) to confine the energy.
What else can I help you with?
How do microwave ovens allow light to escape but not microwaves?
Both visible light and microwave radiation are different variations of the same electromagnetic energy. Visible light has infinitesimally small wavelengths, and therefore it can pass through the screen holes. Microwave radiation has much larger wavelengths, and these wavelengths are too big to "fit" through the screen holes, and therefore the screen appears solid to the microwave radiation. The microwave radiation is therefore completely reflected by the screen.
Does a microwave transfer heat by radiation?
Yes, a microwave transfers heat through radiation. Microwave ovens use electromagnetic radiation in the microwave frequency range to heat food by causing water molecules in the food to vibrate and generate heat.
Which type of radiation can pass easily through polythene sheets?
Alpha radiation cannot easily pass through polythene sheets, while beta and gamma radiation can pass through them. However, beta radiation may be partially absorbed depending on the energy level.
Does infrared pass through glass?
Yes, infrared radiation can pass through glass.
Is a microwave an example of conduction?
No, a microwave is not an example of conduction. Conduction is the transfer of heat through direct contact between two objects, while a microwave heats food through electromagnetic radiation.
How do microwave ovens allow light to escape but not microwaves?
Both visible light and microwave radiation are different variations of the same electromagnetic energy. Visible light has infinitesimally small wavelengths, and therefore it can pass through the screen holes. Microwave radiation has much larger wavelengths, and these wavelengths are too big to "fit" through the screen holes, and therefore the screen appears solid to the microwave radiation. The microwave radiation is therefore completely reflected by the screen.
Can microwave rays get through the earths atmosphere?
Microwave rays can pass through the Earth's atmosphere, as they are a form of electromagnetic radiation that is not absorbed or blocked by gases in the atmosphere. This is why microwave communication systems like satellites are able to transmit signals through the atmosphere.
Does a microwave transfer heat by radiation?
Yes, a microwave transfers heat through radiation. Microwave ovens use electromagnetic radiation in the microwave frequency range to heat food by causing water molecules in the food to vibrate and generate heat.
How microwave penatrates through ionosphere?
Microwaves penetrate through the ionosphere because they have short wavelengths that can pass through the charged particles in the ionosphere, such as free electrons and ions. These charged particles can absorb and scatter longer wavelengths of electromagnetic radiation like radio waves, but shorter microwaves are able to pass through more easily.
Do microwaves get through the earths atmosphere?
Yes, microwave radiation can pass through the Earth's atmosphere. However, not all microwave frequencies can pass through easily, as some are absorbed by water vapor and other gases in the atmosphere. This is why certain frequencies are used for applications such as satellite communication and radar systems.
Which type of radiation can pass easily through polythene sheets?
Alpha radiation cannot easily pass through polythene sheets, while beta and gamma radiation can pass through them. However, beta radiation may be partially absorbed depending on the energy level.
Does infrared pass through glass?
Yes, infrared radiation can pass through glass.
Can microwaves in a microwave oven pass through a material?
Yes, microwaves inside of a microwave oven do indeed pass through a material - for example - a glass casserole dish or other cooking vessel - to reach the food inside the vessel to begin the cooking process. The microwaves also pass through paper, plastic and similar materials - that is why one can cook with such materials in a microwave oven. Microwaves however do not pass through metal objects, but rather often cause arching in a microwave oven, and thus can not be used in a microwave oven. Properly working microwave ovens do not allow the microwaves to pass from inside the oven to the outside world.
Is a microwave an example of conduction?
No, a microwave is not an example of conduction. Conduction is the transfer of heat through direct contact between two objects, while a microwave heats food through electromagnetic radiation.
What types of radiation does the universe allow to pass through?
Radiation can pass easily through space. It is the earth's atmosphere that protects us from dangerous levels.
What does it mean for a molecule to be transparent to radiation?
A molecule is transparent to radiation when it allows radiation to pass through it without being absorbed or scattered. In other words, the radiation can travel through the molecule with minimal interaction.
What stops microwave radiation from escaping the microwave oven?
The metal walls of the microwave oven reflect and contain the microwave radiation, preventing it from escaping.
