and it made a huge pop sound, and a bright flash. so i threw it away. i heard that the stuff in thermometers can be very dangerous. but that it is just the liquid. i do not recall any liquid from it. am i in danger if this happened in my house?
2007-02-13 13:18:40 · 6 answers · asked by sarah j 1 in Science & Mathematics ➔ Physics
this also happened about a week ago, so i think im fine right?
2007-02-13 13:41:00 · update #1
Yes my microwave works & it runs normally. exept it runs really loud ever since i decided to put a metal coffee cup in it...
2007-02-13 13:47:47 · update #2
Thermometers used to have mercury in them which is poisonous but now they usually have an alcohol based solution which is harmless. The only danger in your house is yourself, because apparently you like to test fate by putting serious pieces of equipment in the microwave.
2007-02-13 13:24:10 · answer #1 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
Don't think you are in danger. Was the fluid in the thermometer red in color? If so, it was some dyed fluid. Clean up the microwave and you are done. Except that you have not found out how microwaves cook. So, do this. Empty the microwave completely. No food, dishes, stuff. Run it at full power for about 2 minutes (that normally just about boils a cup of water). Now open the door and put your hand inside. Is it warm? Nope. Where is the heat, then? A 100 word essay will be due tomorrow on how microwaves heat. And, for extra points, why they are all on a special frequency.
2007-02-13 21:26:08 · answer #2 · answered by ZORCH 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
The liquid in a thermometer is mercury and while it is poisonous to you if absorbed through your skin or injested the amount from your thermometer blowing up is not going to hurt you. However I'd be wondering does your microwave still work? and WHY?
2007-02-13 21:26:12 · answer #3 · answered by Laura Marie B 3 · 0⤊ 1⤋
Apparently, only the first answerer realizes mercury aren't in thermometers anymore... but an alcohol based solution. He was also right in saying the only danger is you.
2007-02-13 21:43:37 · answer #4 · answered by darryl978xxx 1 · 1⤊ 0⤋
the stuff inside a thermometer is mercury, which is extremely toxic if its vapours are inhaled, but safe in its liquid form.,
if u have been living in the house and no one has died ur probly ok
2007-02-13 21:24:33 · answer #5 · answered by im17yearsold_strait 1 · 0⤊ 1⤋
WHY DID YOU DO THAT?! Mercury is very dangerous. you should clean your microwave.................................. or toss it i have no idea.
2007-02-13 21:25:17 · answer #6 · answered by DrummerGirl 3 · 0⤊ 1⤋