I really don't understand the true science behind microwaves. I've taken a food science class and I understand the principle to the point that the microwave excites molecules causing them to move faster thus generating heat. I also understand that popcorn is basically a kernel of dry popcorn with a drop of moisture in the middle that explodes when the moisture is heated up.
What I don't understand is how my microwave stopped being able to pop popcorn. Are the molecules not moving so much, is there some kind of leak? Should I be worried about my health? I thought that maybe it had something to do with me being "thrifty" with my choice of popcorn, but Redenbacher has failed me now too. I have three more bags and no new microwave in sight for the near future, dare I try again?
CC
So there are (at least) two possible explanations for for failed popcorn due to the microwave oven; a) the turntable is not rotating the food through the 'hot spot' or b) the wave dispersing mechanism (sometimes it's like a little fan or windmill) is not functioning.
ReplyDeleteThis is great, I was hoping to ask a few questions to further my study.
ReplyDelete1 The turn table appears to be spinning as usual.
2 It still makes the same noises as it did several years ago (I would assume if the fan stopped working it would be much quieter).
3 Is the dispersion thing the only reason microwave ovens stop working, or do the microwaves themselves deteriorate?
The fan does not make much noise it could easily stop without you knowing. Yes, I believe (this is speculation), microwave ovens can wear out, cheap magnetrons (see wikipage -microwave ovens) lose power as their wrapped wires break.
ReplyDelete