Question 10: What does the word “micro” signifies in the word “microwave oven”?

Answer

Microwaves fall in the category of radio waves. Radio waves have larger wave lengths, sometimes in meters.

Microwaves have the shorter wavelength among the radio waves (= 12 cm, frequency = 2450 Hz). Due to the shorter wavelength and high frequency, microwaves produce enormous heating effect. Therefore, microwaves are used in the ovens for cooking in the households.

Micro means “small”. The word micro in the microwave oven, therefore, emphasizes the nature of the waves used for heating effect in the oven, that is, the waves have shorter wavelength.