text: what are scientific microwaves and how do they work?   microwaves are waves that are part of the electromagnetical spectrum.  the measured distance from tip to tip of the crest of the waves is what makes it considered a 'micro' wave.  microwaves are a shorter wavelength than the electromagnetic waves that carry radio signals, but longer than those waves that our eyes can detect in the 'visible' spectrum.  nasa has a very good explanation of them at the web site below: