Microwaves - finding the wavelength

  • Context: High School 
  • Thread starter Thread starter dragon2309
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    Microwaves Wavelength
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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around methods for determining the wavelength of microwaves, specifically through the use of a color-changing solution when exposed to microwave radiation. Participants explore various solutions that exhibit this property.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Technical explanation, Homework-related

Main Points Raised

  • One participant describes an experiment involving a solution that changes color when heated in a microwave, seeking to identify the solution used.
  • Another participant suggests anthocyanin as a possible solution but does not confirm its properties align with the described experiment.
  • A different participant proposes several alternatives, including iodine, permanganate, and copper sulfate.
  • The original poster confirms that copper sulfate is the correct solution, expressing gratitude for the assistance.
  • Another participant mentions that processed cheese slices can also be used for the same purpose, introducing an alternative method.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants generally agree on the use of copper sulfate for the experiment, but there are multiple suggestions regarding other possible solutions, and the discussion remains open to alternative methods.

Contextual Notes

The discussion does not clarify the specific conditions under which the solutions change color or the precise methodology for measuring the wavelength, leaving some assumptions unresolved.

Who May Find This Useful

This discussion may be useful for students or individuals interested in experimental methods for studying microwaves and colorimetric changes in solutions.

dragon2309
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Hi everyone, we were looking at different ways of finding out the wavelength of a microwave in physics a few days back, and one of them was to soak a piece of paper in a solution and put it into a microwave iven, when this solution got hot/warm it changed colour to blue.

Does anyone know what the solution was called, cos i need to write this all up and that's the only thing that's stopping me, if its any help it was a kind of purple/red-ish colour to start with...

Cheers, dave
 
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Just guessing, but does anthocyanin ring any bells?
 
it doesn't I am afraid, but does it ahve the same properties as i mentioned?? The one we used was called *SOMETHING* SOLUTION...

dave
 
Um, I don't know dragon. How about Iodine? Permanganate? Copper Sulphate?
 
ah, copper sulphate, that was it, thankyou very much, now i can get on and write the rest of this thing up, cheers mate, much obliged

dragon
 
Lucky guess, but it's a pleasure to help.

o:)
 
Processed cheese slices work just as well.
 

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