How Microwaves Work

Microwave ovens, or microwaves, were accidentally invented during the building of magnetron radar sets. The appliance we know and love today consists of 6 components, all necessary to create the microwave radiation needed to heat food: high voltage transformer, energy path to magnetron, magnetron cavity, control circuit, waveguide, and the cooking chamber. These efficient and safe workings create a very popular kitchen machine.

The transformer sends energy to the magnetron which emits microwave radiation through the cavity (regulated by the control circuit and waveguide) to the cooking chamber. The radiation polarizes the molecules in the food, exciting them to produce heat. This polarization is uniform, leading to simultaneous heating. Despite the urban legend that microwaves cook "inside-out," these ovens cook from the outside-in, just like any other cooking device. The only difference is the penetrative power of the radiation allowing microwaves to cook faster.

It's the efficiency in cooking that makes microwaves so popular. Patented in 1945, the first ovens consumed large amounts of electricity, were quite weighty, and were priced out of the market. The mid 1970s saw a sales volume of about 1 million because costs had come down quite a bit. The technological revolution of the 80's made microwave ovens the common appliance in 90% of US households today.

Microwaves are a staple of many kitchens because they are cost effective and efficient. In fact, these simple 6 components that create microwave radiation are a testament to American technological ingenuity. Where else can an accident result in the most common domestic device next to a stove top range and a refrigerator?

Autor: Elanora T. Kelly

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Added: September 22, 2009
Source: http://ezinearticles.com/