Introduction to RF and microwave radiation

This chapter emphasizes the outline of the essential aspects of transmission and the nature of electromagnetic waves, particularly for other disciplines that may otherwise find the electronic content unfamiliar. It includes an explanation of the terms that are relevant to this form of non-ionizing radiation. The chapter introduces RF and microwave radiation with a brief history of radio transmission, and discussion over nature of radio waves. It also explains frequency and wavelength as the two most important characteristics of electro-magnetic waves. It also talks about ionizing radiation, which is defined as the radiation which is capable of ejecting electrons from atoms and molecules with the resultant production of harmful free radicals. In the end, it addresses topics such as use of the decibel, decibels and power, and decibels and voltage.