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Physics Of Microwave Essay

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Physics of a Microwave
Southeast Missouri State University
PH106-01
Instructor: Dr. Jian Peng
Submitted By: Natalie Gladbach The microwave, also known as a microwave oven, was seemingly a breakthrough in technology in the early 1940’s that allowed whole meals to be prepared in minutes. The idea of the microwave was created by a man named Percy Spencer. Mr. Spencer developed the plans based on radar technology breakthroughs from World War II. The microwave was originally named the Radarange and first hit store fronts in 1946. The Radarange did not sell to well as they were rather large and bulky for regular home use. In 1955 a company known as Tappan created a new version but even that version was too big and expensive. In 1967 the Amana Corporation introduced the first countertop microwave oven and since the microwave has become the most used kitchen appliance in the world. The Microwave oven is known to heat or reheat previously cooked foods by exposing the food to microwave radiation in the electromagnetic spectrum. This activates polar molecules in the food to rotate and produce thermal energy. This is a process known as dielectric heating. Consequently, the food is heated quickly and efficiently. Food that is spread out and has higher water content will cook faster and more thoroughly than food which is denser.
In order for food to be cooked in a microwave oven, microwaves must pass through the food. Thus, the name microwave. Microwaves are electromagnetic

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