Naked Science Forum

General Science => General Science => Topic started by: Karsten on 22/12/2012 18:47:52

Title: Why is the salmon sparking in the microwave oven?
Post by: Karsten on 22/12/2012 18:47:52

I stumbled across an odd thing. At least it is odd to me.

I like to thaw small pieces of salmon in the microwave before putting them on my sandwich. I noticed that during the microwaving the darker areas of meat spark as if there were small pieces of aluminum foil present. Not just some small, barley visible sparks -  real nice sparks. And there is no aluminum foil present. Just the meat on a plastic lid.

What is going on?

Title: Re: Why is the salmon sparking in the microwave oven?
Post by: RD on 22/12/2012 22:47:34

Higher concentration of myoglobin in the darker areas ... https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Myoglobin#Meat_color

myoglobin contains iron.

Title: Re: Why is the salmon sparking in the microwave oven?
Post by: Karsten on 22/12/2012 22:52:23

Cool! So interesting. Thanks!