[thedoc (OP)]

The inner walls of a microwave oven are made of metal; so why does the oven explode when another piece of metal is placed inside it?

Asked by aceng.at


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[chapter podcast=1000585 track=14.01.07/Naked_Scientists_Show_14.01.07_1001828.mp3]  ...or Listen to the Answer[/chapter] or [download as MP3]

[Chris]

I thought the microwave used a magnetron to send photons of a high wavelength to cook the food--not create an electric field that in turn creates currents in the food? I realize that photons, being electromagnetic waves, are related to electric field, but there is a distinct difference, no?