Metal in Microwave: Heating Up Water and Spoons?

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Putting a metal spoon in a microwave can cause sparks and potential damage, especially if it's not in water. However, placing a spoon inside a cup of water may prevent sparks while allowing for longer heating. The discussion raises questions about whether the water and spoon would heat up, and which part of the spoon would absorb heat. Understanding the physics behind this could enable efficient tea preparation without removing the spoon. Alternatives like using a plastic spoon are also suggested for safety.
Yoni
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When you put a metal (conducting) spoon inside a microwave, it takes a few seconds, and then you get sparks, that might damage the microwave.
I heard (and cowardly hadn't tested) that putting a spoon inside a cup of water would allow a long 5 minute heating, no sparks and no damage.
The riddle is: Would the water heat up? Would the spoon? And if so, which part of the spoon would heat up the dipped part or the exposed handle of the spoon?

Once I'd firmly know the physics behind this, I can finally heat up a cup of tea without taking the spoon out, which would save me a lot of time... :)
 
Science news on Phys.org
You can find a simplified explanation about putting spoons (maybe) and forks (no-no) in a microwave here. BTW, how much time do you spend putting a spoon in and taking it out of a cup? Have you thought of using a plastic spoon?
 

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