basically could you direct microwaves into the air and accelerate them like you would inside of a microwave oven?
2007-07-11 03:50:17 · 7 answers · asked by Bryan Smith 1 in Science & Mathematics ➔ Physics
Water molecules have rotational resonances in the microwave frequencies. Microwaves going through the air will be absorbed somewhat by the water in the air. It is inadvisable to stand right in front of a microwave transition dish because the water mollecules in your body will be set spinning, which will heat you up and can kill you.
2007-07-11 03:56:38 · answer #1 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Bekki & Dr. R are basically correct. What would happen is a stimulation of the modes of vibration internal to the water molecule, which increases its temperature.
This is different than what you suggest in your question: the water molecules are not transversely accelerated by microwaves in any consistent way.
Finally, the military IS working on microwave non-lethal weapons that heat the skin. Typically, the microwaves only penetrate 1 cm or less & should not pose a threat to organs. Although I think the skin & nearby tissue could be damaged through misapplication of the weapon.
2007-07-12 01:48:05 · answer #2 · answered by Tom H 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Yes. A microwave oven is tuned to the rotational resonance of the H2O molecule itself, so it need not be in liquid form. This frequency will strongly interact with evaporated H2O in the air, limiting it's range to perhaps a few hundred meters before being absorbed. It heats the air, therefore, but it would be hard to notice a temperature increase since water is so low in concentration in the air.
2007-07-11 22:52:18 · answer #3 · answered by Dr. R 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Yes you can, I can actually transmit microwave signals into the air. Its part of my job. Microwave Communication.
BTW, to focus a microwave signal at someone is dangerous, and can be lethal. You are basically cooking a person inside out, like a microwave oven does.
The non-lethal weapon the guy above me is referring to is more audio than microwave.
2007-07-11 10:56:23 · answer #4 · answered by George P 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
This is basically what the military is working on. They have a vehicle equipped with a device that concentrates microwaves into a beam, and when pointed at someone makes them feel extremely hot as if they are about to catch fire. Its a form of non-lethal force.
2007-07-11 10:55:58 · answer #5 · answered by therealchuckbales 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
that's what the bad guys try to do in Batman Begins
2007-07-11 10:54:31 · answer #6 · answered by mark r 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
yes. its very dangerous...i don't advise it
2007-07-11 10:53:19 · answer #7 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋