Absorption of microwave energy by bodily tissues is largely associated with which factor?

The absorption of microwave energy by bodily tissues is primarily influenced by the water content of those tissues. This is because microwaves generate heat through the agitating motion of water molecules in the body. Tissues with higher water content, such as muscle or fat, have a greater capacity to absorb microwave energy effectively, leading to increased thermal effects.

Conversely, tissues with lower water content, like bone or fat, absorb microwaves less efficiently. This characteristic is critical in medical applications, such as microwave therapy, where the goal is to target specific tissues while minimizing damage to surrounding areas. Thus, the water content serves as a key determinant in the interaction between microwaves and biological tissues, making it the correct answer in this context.