Microwaves and radio waves are both part of the electromagnetic spectrum, which is a continuum of electromagnetic radiation that includes a wide range of frequencies and wavelengths. The distinction between microwaves and radio waves is primarily based on their frequency or wavelength, but there is some overlap between the two.
Radio waves typically refer to electromagnetic waves with lower frequencies and longer wavelengths than microwaves. They are commonly used for communication purposes, such as radio broadcasting, television transmission, and wireless networks. Radio waves have frequencies ranging from a few kilohertz (kHz) to several gigahertz (GHz), corresponding to wavelengths from hundreds of meters to a few millimeters.
On the other hand, microwaves have higher frequencies and shorter wavelengths than radio waves. They are called "microwaves" because their wavelengths fall in the range of approximately one millimeter to one meter. Microwaves are widely used in microwave ovens for heating food, but they also have numerous other applications, including radar systems, satellite communications, and wireless data transmission.
The reason why microwaves can be classified as radio waves and vice versa is that their properties and behaviors are fundamentally the same. Both microwaves and radio waves are forms of electromagnetic radiation, differing primarily in their frequency or wavelength. The distinction between the two is somewhat arbitrary and mainly serves as a practical way to differentiate their applications and frequency ranges. However, it's important to note that the specific frequency ranges assigned to different parts of the electromagnetic spectrum, such as radio waves and microwaves, can vary slightly depending on context or convention.