-
We’re currently investigating an issue related to the forum theme and styling that is impacting page layout and visual formatting. The problem has been identified, and we are actively working on a resolution. There is no impact to user data or functionality, this is strictly a front-end display issue. We’ll post an update once the fix has been deployed. Thanks for your patience while we get this sorted.
Metal sparks in the microwave...so why do I have a metal rack in mine?
- Thread starter MichaelD
- Start date
It isn't because of the type of metal, I don't think. It would have the same effect on all metals.
My guess would be that's just the way its engineered. Maybe when the rack is in the microwave, it is grounded. If it's grounded, energy won't build up and you won't have sparks.
Or the rack doesen't have ANY sharp points and perhaps is also grounded. The electrons tend to jump off the metal at sharp tips or points.. and as the air around the point ionizes, current can begin to pass through the air.. and find ground. 😉
Try it, if you dare. If the "food load" is big enough, a spoon probably won't cause any arcs.
Brutuskend
Lifer
Mine has a little metal plug in it for plugging in a temp sensor.
It's sticking right out of the side.
I've always wondered about this myself....
It's sticking right out of the side.
I've always wondered about this myself....
After doing some research, gsaldivar is 100% correct, it's the shape of the metal that determines it.. and as Michael says, the rack isn't visably grounded.
The regular surface of the concentrate can end cap dissipates the electrons evenly, so no significant ionization occours and no arcs form ..
imported_Rufus
Junior Member
Pretty much if the metal is flat and smooth it will not spark. If it gets crinkly like aluminum foil. then it'll spark like mad
The extreme thin-ness is the reason it sparks. The metal doesen't have enough mass to carry really any surface charge, so as the electrons ripple across the surface, they disentigrate it because it can't dissipate the heat...
At least, that would be my analysis of it.. heh.
I also agree that it may have something to do with the ridges. If you've ever watched closely as they start forming, it's always in a pattern.. heh
Antisocial Virge
Diamond Member
That mythbusters show did a bit on this. Like someone else said, its the shape. They put a fork in without a problem but crumple up aluminum foil and lookout.
Not a cd. Other than making your microwave smell like burning plastic.
Metal in general shouldn't, but it has the potential to..
We had a microwave a while back, where we accidently put some foil in it, and the spark arced to the metal grid in the door, and it actually punched or melted a hole through the door plastic..
Whenever you cooked certain foods, a jet of steam would come out.. lol.. We just used some superglue to fill it up.
This wouldn't cause your microwave to leak microwaves, but it is "damage".
Using the microwave with nothing or very little food load is probably the hardest on it, it can overheat the magnetron since there is nothing to absorb all the energy.
if you put a metal bar in the microwave it won't arc because it is easier for the electrons to go through the metal than through the air. not as much voltage potential builds up because of the conductivity of the metal. it's only when lots of potential can build in various places and not just get sent through the metal and evened out. microwaves don't scatter in the oven evenly, which is why potential can build in one place and not another.