How can you protect yourself from microwave radiation?

Study for the IGCSE Physics Exam. Engage with flashcards and multiple-choice questions, complete with hints and explanations, and prepare thoroughly for your assessment.

Microwave radiation, like other forms of electromagnetic radiation, diminishes in intensity with increasing distance from the source. By maintaining a safe distance from devices that emit microwave radiation, such as microwave ovens, you reduce your exposure significantly. This principle is based on the inverse square law, which states that the intensity of radiation decreases with the square of the distance from the source.

In practical terms, staying at least a few feet away from operating microwave appliances ensures that you are not subjected to potentially harmful levels of microwave radiation. This method is straightforward and effective, making it a widely recommended safety practice.

The other strategies mentioned, such as using UV filters or wearing insulating materials, do not specifically address microwave radiation. Lead-lined containers are effective for specific types of radiation like gamma rays, but they are not practical or necessary for everyday exposure to microwave radiation.

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