A microwave oven emits electromagnetic waves in the microwave frequency range. Specifically, it produces microwaves, which are a type of electromagnetic radiation. Microwaves have longer wavelengths and lower frequencies than visible light.
The microwaves produced by a microwave oven typically have a frequency of around 2.45 gigahertz (GHz), which corresponds to a wavelength of approximately 12.2 centimeters. This frequency is chosen because it is absorbed well by water molecules, which allows for efficient heating of food in the microwave oven.
It's important to note that the microwaves emitted by a microwave oven are non-ionizing radiation, meaning they do not have sufficient energy to remove electrons from atoms or molecules. This is in contrast to ionizing radiation, such as X-rays or gamma rays, which have higher energy levels and can potentially cause damage to biological tissues and DNA. As a result, the non-ionizing radiation from microwave ovens is generally considered safe for use in household appliances when used correctly and in good working condition.