Why can't you put metal in a microwave? - Aaron Slepkov
1,266,092 Views
2,902 Questions Answered
TEDEd Animation
Let’s Begin…
In 1945, engineer Percy Spencer was standing near a RADAR device that produced high-intensity microwaves and noticed that his candy bar had melted. He then exposed popcorn kernels to the magnetron device, and sure enough, they popped. Soon after, the first microwave oven became available, using the very same technology. So, how does it work? Aaron Slepkov explores the science of microwave ovens.
Imagine—or perhaps even attempt—heating a crushed clove of garlic in a half-cup of pure olive oil for 15 seconds on high in your microwave oven. You will notice that the garlic appears to rise to the top of the oil and ‘sizzle’ as if it were frying. However, afterwards you’ll notice that the oil is warm but not nearly hot enough to have fried the garlic. Why did the garlic appear to sizzle? (Note: this is a quick, safe, and easy way to make garlic-infused oil).
Sign in to answer questionAbout TED-Ed Animations
TED-Ed Animations feature the words and ideas of educators brought to life by professional animators. Are you an educator or animator interested in creating a TED-Ed Animation? Nominate yourself here »
Meet The Creators
- Educator Aaron Slepkov
- Director Yuriy Polyashko, Darvideo Animation Studio
- Narrator Jack Cutmore-Scott
- Storyboard Artist Nikita Bondarenko, Dmytro Novitskyi
- Animator Ann Homenyuk
- Art Director Orest Smilyanets
- Sound Designer Stepan Vasylchenko
- Music Reality Check
- Director of Production Gerta Xhelo
- Produced by Abdallah Ewis, Anna Bechtol
- Editorial Director Alex Rosenthal
- Editorial Producer Cella Wright
- Fact-Checker Charles Wallace
