Metal in Microwave Oven

What really happens when you put metal in the microwave oven for an extended period? The longest I've done it was 5 seconds by accident. It was a coffee cup which I didn't realize had small bits of metal for decoration. What would happen if you put in a metal spoon for 5 minutes or so?

[jakethebake]

Let us know.

[roxtar]

Google is your friend.

Remember when you were just a wee lad and your mommy told you not to touch or do something? But, being a perfectly normal little rug rat you did it anyway? And you learned firsthand what mommy was trying to protect you from? And you didn't like the experience one little bit? Because it always resulted in some sort of unpleasant experience?

Well, now's the time to resist those instincts to "try something you've been warned against." Or don't. And then you just see what happens!

[A_Junglen]

Try putting a CD in the microwave.

Thanks, I'm bookmarking it. I'm still curious what would happen to magnets.

[theben]

do it you know you want to

[Ringo]

I went through a phase of experimenting with microwaves recently.

A CD in a microwave will glow, like an aurora, with little balls and sparks dancing on its surface. A flourescent light tube will glow, too.

One thing I learned is that although microwave experiments are never totally safe, by putting in a "load" - ie, a cup of water - it acts like a resistor in an electrical circuit, and at least cuts back on the damage and danger.

Be careful of "exploding water", too. Water can reach >100C without boiling in a microwave, and will "flash boil" when you remove it or put a spoon in it.

[lil_o]

the reason metal isnt supposed to be put in a microwave is because it reflects microwaves. this reflection redirects microwaves back to the magnetron, which can either shorten its life or burn it out.

if you put a piece of metal like a fork or crumpled tin foil in the microwave, it can arc. this occurs because the microwaves change the electric field allowing charges to jump between close points with the proper geometry. this wont occur on a knife or a flat piece of tin foil.

My two experiences with metal in the microwave:

1) My dad brought home Arby's for dinner, and he microwaved the sandwiches while still in the tin foil (idiot!). There was fire, and then a fire extinguiser, and then no fire.

2) My dad put hot dog buns in the microwave, while still in the bag with a twist-tie (idiot!). There was fire, then a glass of water, and then no fire.