Microwave Ovens Description Radiofrequency and microwave radiation are both forms of energy called electromagnetic radiation. These forms of energy are transmitted by waves. Radiofrequency or radiowaves have a range of frequencies and wavelengths. Radiofrequency is used in heat sealers and glue driers.
Microwaves are actually just radiowaves of higher frequencies.
Microwaves are used for radar and satellite communications, for telephone and TV transmissions, for microwave ovens, and for diathermy in medical clinics. The energy waves can pass through an object without being changed, like light through a window. It can be reflected, like light off a mirror, or it can be absorbed and cause the object to heat up, like a sidewalk in the sun. The health hazards of electromagnetic radiation are related only to the absorption of energy. The effects of absorbed energy depend on many different factors such as its wavelength and frequency, its intensity and duration.