What are radio waves commonly used for?

Radio waves are a type of electromagnetic radiation with wavelengths in the electromagnetic spectrum longer than infrared light. They are commonly used for satellite communication due to their ability to travel long distances and penetrate the atmosphere. This characteristic allows them to carry signals to and from satellites orbiting the Earth, facilitating communication for television, radio, and internet services.

In addition to communication, radio waves are also utilized in cooking through microwave ovens. These devices use microwave frequencies, which are a subset of radio waves, to excite water molecules in food, generating heat that cooks the food quickly and efficiently. This dual role in communication and cooking highlights the versatility of radio waves in modern applications.

The other options do not accurately reflect the primary uses of radio waves. Heating and monitoring temperature are more closely associated with infrared radiation rather than radio waves. Photography relies on visible light rather than radio waves, while fluorescent lighting involves the use of gas and electricity to produce light, which doesn't involve radio wave technology. Thus, the combination of satellite communication and cooking effectively captures the primary uses of radio waves.