Final answer:
The wavelength of waves from a microwave oven with a frequency of 2450 MHz is approximately 0.122 meters. Higher frequency microwaves, like the 2560 MHz frequency, would produce smaller hot spots in foods compared to the lower frequency of 900 MHz.
Step-by-step explanation:
Microwave ovens emit electromagnetic waves with a typical frequency of about 2450 MHz. To find the wavelength of these microwaves, we can use the speed of light (c) in the equation c = frequency × wavelength. Given that the speed of light is approximately 3 × 108 m/s, we can determine the wavelength as follows:
wavelength = speed of light / frequency = 3 × 108 m/s / 2.45 × 109 Hz
When you calculate this, you get a wavelength of approximately 0.122 meters (or 122 millimeters).
When it comes to hot spots in foods caused by interference effects, a higher frequency, which corresponds to a shorter wavelength will produce smaller hot spots. Therefore, the 2560 MHz frequency would produce smaller hot spots compared to the 900 MHz frequency due to its shorter wavelength.