To produce thermal effects, microwave energy is converted to what in the body or organism?

Microwave energy produces thermal effects by being converted into heat within the body or organism. This occurs because microwaves interact with polar molecules in tissues, predominantly water, causing those molecules to vibrate. The rapid movement and friction between these vibrating molecules generate heat, effectively increasing the temperature of the tissues.

Heating is the primary effect of microwave energy, especially in medical applications like diathermy or in practical uses like cooking food, where the microwaves cause the water in the food to heat up and cook it from within. This transformation into heat is a well-understood physical phenomenon that underpins the use of microwave technology in various fields, including food preparation and medical therapies.