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Microwave ovens work on the frequency they do because that's one of the main resonant frequencies of water molecules. The radiation excites water molecules, which then transfer some of their extra...
Answer
#2: Post edited
by
Olin Lathrop
·
2020-10-28T17:52:21Z (about 4 years ago)
- Microwave ovens work on the frequency they do because that's one of the main resonant frequencies of water molecules. The radiation excites water molecules, which then transfer some of their extra energy to other surrounding molecules.
- No, microwave ovens are not <i>intentional radiators</i>, at least not in the legal sense here in the US. Yes, they use radiation internally, but there is not purpose or <i>intent</i> of that radiation getting outside the unit. So unless there is a specific exemption for microwave ovens in the law (haven't checked), they have to comply with the same maximum radiation limits any other device does. I don't have time right now, but maybe later I'll look the applicable FCC part 15 rules and see what that radiation limit is and exactly how it is defined.
- Microwave ovens work on the frequency they do because that's one of the main resonant frequencies of water molecules. The radiation excites water molecules, which then transfer some of their extra energy to other surrounding molecules.
- No, microwave ovens are not <i>intentional radiators</i>, at least not in the legal sense here in the US. Yes, they use radiation internally, but there is not purpose or <i>intent</i> of that radiation getting outside the unit. So unless there is a specific exemption for microwave ovens in the law (haven't checked), they have to comply with the same maximum radiation limits any other device does. I don't have time right now, but maybe later I'll look the applicable FCC part 15 rules and see what that radiation limit is and exactly how it is defined.
- <h3>Added</h3>
- From a very cursory look, it seems like a home microwave oven in the United States is not allowed to produce external radiation exceeding 500 µV/m at a distance of 3 m at the microwave frequency.
#1: Initial revision
by
Olin Lathrop
·
2020-10-28T15:28:16Z (about 4 years ago)
Microwave ovens work on the frequency they do because that's one of the main resonant frequencies of water molecules. The radiation excites water molecules, which then transfer some of their extra energy to other surrounding molecules. No, microwave ovens are not <i>intentional radiators</i>, at least not in the legal sense here in the US. Yes, they use radiation internally, but there is not purpose or <i>intent</i> of that radiation getting outside the unit. So unless there is a specific exemption for microwave ovens in the law (haven't checked), they have to comply with the same maximum radiation limits any other device does. I don't have time right now, but maybe later I'll look the applicable FCC part 15 rules and see what that radiation limit is and exactly how it is defined.