What are Microwaves?

Microwaves are electromagnetic waves with wavelengths shorter than one meter and longer than one millimeter, or frequencies between 300 megahertz and 300 gigahertz. ... more

A. Microwaves are very short waves of electromagnetic energy that travel at the speed of light (186,282 miles per second). As with electromagnetic radiation, there are ionizing and non-ionizing microwaves. The non-ionizing microwaves used in cellular telephones is the same type used in microwave ovens, televisions and radio communication. Ionizing radiation has a very high frequency and is therefore very powerful and penetrating, capable of changing the molecular structure of matter. Non-ionizing radiation operates at lower frequencies and reduced energy. Non-ionizing microwave radiation in sufficient intensity can cause molecules in matter to vibrate. These vibrations cause friction, which in turn cause heating. This is the basis for which microwave ovens operate and many scientists attribute as the cause of cellular phone heating of our tissue. ... more