How does a microwave oven generate and contain radiation for cooking?

Fletcher · Jan 28, 2007

Not the waves, but the cooking device. I am curious how the radiation is generated, and why it stays inside the microwave (the outside doesn't get hot).

ranger · Jan 28, 2007

The latter part of your question was discussed here:
https://www.physicsforums.com/showthread.php?t=148483

The radiation is generated by something called a magnetron. This produces high frequency EM waves.
http://hyperphysics.phy-astr.gsu.edu/hbase/waves/magnetron.html

Fletcher · Jan 28, 2007

Thanks; just what I was looking for.

How does a microwave oven generate and contain radiation for cooking?

Discussion

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