Final answer:
Electromagnetic radiation transforms into thermal energy through radiation. Radiation occurs when electromagnetic radiation is emitted or absorbed, transferring energy to an object and increasing the temperature. A microwave oven is an example of this, where microwave photons are absorbed by water molecules, heating the food.
Step-by-step explanation:
Electromagnetic radiation can be transformed into thermal energy through the process of radiation. This occurs when microwaves, infrared radiation, visible light, or other forms of electromagnetic radiation are emitted or absorbed by an object. The energy from the radiation is transferred to the particles of the object, increasing their kinetic energy and resulting in an increase in temperature. A common example of this is a microwave oven, where microwave photons are absorbed by water molecules, causing an increase in their rotational energies and transferring the energy to the surrounding food, which becomes hot as a result.