- 27 -
How does the Microwave work?
Microwaves are a form of high frequency radio waves similar
to those used by a radio including AM, FM and CB.They
are, however, much shorter than radio waves; approximately
five inches in length. Electricity is converted into microwave
energy by the magnetron tube. From the magnetron tube,
microwave energy is transmitted to the oven cavity where it is:
reflected, transmitted and absorbed.
1. Reflection
They will REFLECT off metal.The inner walls of your oven
are made of stainless steel, so that the microwave energy
can bounce evenly around the cavity. Of course, the
microwaves will also reflect off metal cooking containers and
accessories, such as saucepans and platters. For this
reason, NEVER use the Wire Rack Shelf on microwave only.
2. Transmission
The microwaves will TRANSMIT through paper, plastic,
glass and china, therefore, containers made of these
substances should be used in microwave cookery.
3. Absorption
The microwave energy is ABSORBED by the food.The
energy penetrates the food causing the molecules to vibrate
over 2,450,000,000 times a second. This vibration causes
the water molecules to rub against each other producing
frictional heat which cooks the outer part of the food; the
heat is then conducted through the food to cook the center.
1. Reflection
3. Absorption
2. Transmission