Radio Waves
What does your microwave oven have in common with your WIFI connection?
The short answer is radio waves.
A microwave oven operates by bombarding the food with high frequency radio waves.
A device called a Magnetron bombards focused electromagnetic waves at the food inside the microwave Oven.
This works by heating the molecules inside the food, which are tiny in size. The food molecules are vibrated by the radio signals produced by the magnetron, which causes them to heat up.
It is actually electromagnetic radiation that is cooking your food.
This radiation is dangerous, which is why there is a grid with tiny holes in the microwave door.
The higher the radio frequency in the electromagnetic spectrum the shorter is the ‘wavelength’.
Microwave ovens operate at a radio frequency of 2.45 GigaHertz (Ghz).
WIFI also operates around 2.45 Ghz, hence the connection between the two, in this articles title.
As previously stated, microwave ovens have a grid incorporated into the door, which contains small holes.
These holes prevent the electromagnetic radiation produced by the Magenetron, from escaping out of the microwave cooking area.
The metal grid with holes in, is important because being cooked is hazardous to human health!
So is my WIFI also dangerous?
Whilst research has been carried out, and some people claim it is, you will not be cooked!
The reason for this is ‘RF Power’ level.
When RF (Radio Frequency) engineers work near very high power radio transmitters they use RF radiation monitoring devices, and appropriate protective PPE.
Whereas you will not get RF Burns’ using a handheld walkie talkie, or mobile (cell) phone.
Its down to RF Power levels being emitted from the antenna system.
Whilst RF frequency also is a factor, lets ignore that for the purposes of this blog article.
WIFI signals are low power radio signals, at a low RF Power. Hence you don’t get cooked, standing next the the wireless router.
Hopefully now you understand the answer to what does your microwave oven have in common with your WIFI connection?
If not, ask me a question, so that I can clarify and expand your knowledge.
(c) 2019 Craig Miles Craigmiles.co.uk
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