How Do Microwave Ovens Function?

Microwave Radiation

• Microwaves share many characteristics with other forms of EM radiation, such as radio waves, visible light and X-rays. Due to their unique wavelengths, from 1GHz to 300Ghz, microwaves interact with food substances at the molecular level.

How Microwaves are Made

• U.S. household current is supplied at 120 volts. A step-up high-voltage transformer inside the microwave oven increases the voltage to between 3,000 and 5,000 volts. The high-voltage current energizes a specialized vacuum tube called a magnetron, which transforms electrical energy into microwaves.

How Microwaves Cook Your Food

• When microwave radiation strikes the food, it imparts energy to the food molecules. The food molecules become physically agitated. Friction between the moving food molecules generates thermal energy, or heat, which warms and cooks the food.