Microwaves, often abbreviated as CM (centimeter) waves, are a type of electromagnetic radiation with wavelengths ranging from approximately 1 millimeter to 1 meter. The name "microwave" comes from the fact that their wavelengths fall within the microwave region of the electromagnetic spectrum.
The electromagnetic spectrum is a continuum of all electromagnetic waves, which includes radio waves, microwaves, infrared, visible light, ultraviolet, X-rays, and gamma rays. Each type of wave is characterized by its wavelength and frequency.
When it comes to microwaves, their wavelengths are much shorter than those of radio waves but longer than those of infrared radiation. They were originally known as "centimeter waves" due to their wavelengths typically being measured in centimeters. However, as the technology surrounding these waves advanced and they found more practical applications, the term "microwave" became more commonly used in the scientific and technological community.
The discovery and development of microwaves played a crucial role in various fields, especially in communication, radar technology, and cooking (microwave ovens). As a result, the name "microwave" became popularized and is now widely used to refer to these electromagnetic waves with centimeter-scale wavelengths.