My mother told me that yesterday but she can't explain for me the reason for that. Can anyone?
2006-07-09 01:15:04 · 11 answers · asked by cab_connhon 1 in Consumer Electronics ➔ Other - Electronics
Micro waves bounce off of metal objects and can initiate electric arcs across some metals, which oven-makers consider a fire danger.
However that being said. Most people who have attempted this are well aware that it isn't true in most cases. It strongly depends on the amount of food to metal ratio. If you have more food to absorb the waves then it is usually safe. Also the composition of the metal plays a role in determining if it will be a fire hazard.
There are many websites out there where people demonstrate that you can even melt metal in a microwave without any fire hazard. I don't recommend trying it... but you should have a look at the source I am posting.
2006-07-09 01:25:30 · answer #1 · answered by serveduphot 3 · 4⤊ 0⤋
Eddy currents.
Radio waves excite electrons in conductive materials (like metals) to zip backwards and forwards. That's how your radio picks up signals.
Microwaves just happen to be small enough that the currents they excite will not all be in the same direction and at the same time throughout the metal thing in your oven. The result is that the electrons are going to get momentarily shoved together, then sent away from each other, then generally sloshed all over the place, then...
and when the electrons are concentrated, there's a voltage difference from place to place around the dish. That creates an electric field, which ionises the air, and ZZZZIZZ!! you get a spark. The foil wrapper or the food catches fire or explodes and it's not so tasty any more.
2006-07-09 08:22:43 · answer #2 · answered by wild_eep 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
In many ovens, the opening of the waveguide into the cooking cavity is covered with a sheet of mica or plastic. The material is chosen to be transparent to microwaves, and not break down or 'track' under the intense electric field strengths encountered. However, if rust from the metal case, or burned food residues are allowed to contact the cover material, and heat it, eventually they will 'alloy' into the mica, or carbonise the plastic. This results in a somewhat electrically conductive damaged zone, which will absorb ever more microwave energy as it deteriorates. Eventually, it will heat up to incandescence, and start throwing arcs and flames while microwave power is present. Usually these will self-extinguish immediately the power is turned off, but they can be pretty frightening to people who don't understand what is going on.
2006-07-09 08:22:10 · answer #3 · answered by geo 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
The way microwaves work is by emitting waves convieniently called "microwaves" - which are comparatively very large - to vibrate the water molecules in the food very rapidly that heats your meal. In answer to your question, you CAN put metal into your microwave, however because it contains no water, it cannot be heated, however will attract the waves and cause a burn out.
2006-07-09 08:27:07 · answer #4 · answered by john 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
It's because the energy in the microwave beam that you can use metal objects. They will spark and explode. Try putting a CD you don't want anymore in the microwave for 5 seconds.
2006-07-09 08:23:58 · answer #5 · answered by wildstar_2 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I think it's because the microwave oven works with rays. And those rays are like light and they get very reflected and upset if you put something made of metal inside =(
Or maybe it's because metals have a very high conductivity for those kinds of energies, just like they do for electricity.
But I think people exaggerate it. Once I left my spoon in a soup I was heating and the only thing it did was burn my soup.
It won't explode or anything.
2006-07-09 08:21:43 · answer #6 · answered by its just me!! 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
The metal will attract the microwaves and cause the microwave oven to BURN OUT. You will see sparks and such.
On some things, pay attention to your mother.... SHE KNOWS.
So while you are at it, say "Hey Mom, I won't do drugs and I won't smoke cigarettes."
2006-07-09 08:20:27 · answer #7 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
My micro-wave is an micro-wave/oven. Used as MC no metal. But used a an oven I can use foil and metal.
Forgot to say: Once I put fish wrapped in foil in the MC and the foil spat and sputtered like fireworks and disintegrated into fish. It was impossible to eat that stuff.
2006-07-09 08:19:04 · answer #8 · answered by Ya-sai 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Watch Brainiacs - science abuse and you will see why. It will blow up the microwave.
Watch the experts do it & don't try it yourself.
2006-07-09 08:20:42 · answer #9 · answered by MISS B.ITCH 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
cus the radiation
2006-07-09 08:27:00 · answer #10 · answered by lawlerjack 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋