how does conductive metal damage a microwave?

[NonTechGuy]

why would the metal reflecting the waves cause sparks and why would it damage the microwave? when you put a coffee mug in the microwave not all waves will hit it and they will just bounce off the walls of the microwave so why would a piece of iron be any different?

 

[corkyg]

Read this

 

[CTho9305]

<< Read this >>


thanks for the link

 

[subflava]

Here's an even better link in Q&A format. Link
Interestingly, according to this article you can actually put a spoon (or other large metal object) into the microwave without any problems. Apparently the problems arise if there's nothing else in the oven to absorb the microwaves which results in damage to the magnetron. Also, if the metal is too thin or has many sharp edges then sparking can occur. Interesting read.

 

[Evadman]

Cool, superheated water. Time to experement!

 

[dkozloski]

Don't forget to take the twist-tie off the bread sack. Also, your Mom will kill you after she sees what happens to the fine china with the gold trim.

 

[Nefrodite]

hm on a related note since the articles linked talk about superheated liquids, would that ever happen in a microwave with a rotating carosel? the movement should prevent superheating right?

 

[Elledan]

<< hm on a related note since the articles linked talk about superheated liquids, would that ever happen in a microwave with a rotating carosel? the movement should prevent superheating right? >>

Nope, what is necessary to prevent superheating are little particles in the liquid itself, or on the surface of the container the liquid is in. A glass of water in a microwave will very likely result in superheating, because the glass' surface is nearly perfect and provided that the water contains no or little contaminants.

 

[Degenerate]

<< Cool, superheated water. Time to experement! >>


Hmm interestingly.. It happend accidentally. I was about to make some hot drink and heated doem water in a mirowaver. the cup with the water was smooth so bubbles were hard to form. I left the water in there for ages and got it. I thought it haden't boiled as there were to bubbles. Anyhow, i new it was hot enough so i added some of the powdered drink in it....SH11T. The water inside instally exploded. Luckyly i added alot and the liquid was pasty instantly so it didn't go to far... hehe

 

[Mingon]

Put a cigarette in the microwave and see what it does

 

[Shalmanese]

Whatever you do, don't heat the water, allow it to cool and THEN heat it again. The first heating removes all the dissolved oxygen form the water which means the second heating is even more dangerous.

 

[CSFM]

I had a bit of a mysterious problem with my microwave at home recently... I had a pewter goblet (trophy) sitting next to the microwave about 6 inches away, and it slightly melted... I thought I might throw this question into this thread...

Why would the pewter goblet melt... and the plastic phone sitting directly on top of the microwave not be affected by the microwave... is it because the microwave may have a slight leak... and if so should I get rid of the microwave?

*Edit* I realise that of course I should get rid of it if it is leaking radiation!!!! Silly thing to ask... but it has been a busy day.

Still the first part of the question stands... is there anything about pewter that would make it susceptible to low level microwaves?

 

[jamarno]

In practice the most common danger is the arcing causing a fire, especially if oily food is in the oven. This happened many times when I worked at a convenience market because people would heat hot dogs that were wrapped in foil-lined paper. The real problem usually isn't metal but metal touching metal, including itself, and our convection microwave comes with metal grills with ceramic insulators on the legs to prevent this.