How a Microwave Heats

Posted on April 19, 2006  Comments (2)

Measuring the speed of light with Chocolate Chips

The waves in a microwave oven are standing waves. These waves are stationary in space with an amplitude changing over time.

With this demonstration, it is obvious that particular sections of the chips are heated more than others. In fact, these locations are located half of the wave’s length apart.

2 Responses to “How a Microwave Heats”

  1. The HomelyScientist » Microwaves, chocolate chips, and the speed of light.
    May 3rd, 2006 @ 11:30 am

    […] I first found this on Curious Cat some time ago and have been meaning to write it up for a while.  Okay the instructions are on Superpositioned and it basically works like this.  Take a plate of chocolate chips, nuke them for a few seconds and measure the distance between melted spots. […]

  2. Curious Cat Science and Engineering Blog » 10 Simple Science Tricks for Parties
    December 16th, 2009 @ 8:36 am

    […] How a Microwave Heats – Ninja Professors – Science Toys You Can Make With Your Kids by curiouscat   […]

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