Question

Initial microwave ovens operate at a 12-cm wavelength by making water molecules oscillate at the frequency of the electromagnetic radiation. What frequency is this?

Answer 1

To determine the frequency of electromagnetic radiation with a 12-cm wavelength, we can use the formula:

frequency = speed of light / wavelength

The speed of light in a vacuum is approximately 299,792,458 meters per second (m/s).

First, we need to convert the wavelength from centimeters to meters:

12 cm = 0.12 meters

Now we can calculate the frequency:

frequency = 299,792,458 m/s / 0.12 meters frequency ≈ 2,498,270,483 Hz

Therefore, the frequency of the electromagnetic radiation with a 12-cm wavelength is approximately 2,498,270,483 Hz, or 2.5 GHz (gigahertz).