Question

two microwave frequencies are authorized for use in microwave ovens: 910 and 2560 mhz. calculate the wavelength of each. (a) cm (frequency = 910 mhz).(b) Which frequency would produce smaller hot spots in foods due to interference effects

Answer 1

(a) To calculate the wavelength of a microwave with frequency 910 MHz in cm, we can use the formula:

wavelength (cm) = speed of light (cm/s) / frequency (Hz)

The speed of light in cm/s is approximately 3 x 10^10. Convert 910 MHz to Hz by multiplying by 10^6, we get:

wavelength (cm) = 3 x 10^10 cm/s / (910 x 10^6 Hz)

wavelength (cm) = 3.2967 cm

Therefore, the wavelength of a microwave with frequency 910 MHz is approximately 3.3 cm.

(b) The frequency that would produce smaller hot spots in foods due to interference effects is 2560 MHz. This is because higher frequencies have shorter wavelengths, which means that they are better able to penetrate foods and distribute the heating more evenly. Hence, a higher frequency like 2560 MHz would result in smaller hot spots in foods and more uniform heating compared to a lower frequency like 910 MHz.