Using a Microwave Oven to Measure the Speed of Light

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Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around a lab experiment aimed at measuring the speed of light using a microwave oven and materials that heat up but do not allow heat to transfer. The original poster is exploring suitable materials for this experiment and is attempting to understand the concept of standing waves and their relation to wavelength.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Assumption checking

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • The original poster seeks advice on materials that can be used in the experiment, mentioning raw spaghetti and egg whites. They express uncertainty about the concept of wavelength and standing waves. Some participants suggest using a chocolate bar and question the interpretation of the lab manual.

Discussion Status

The discussion is ongoing, with participants providing suggestions for materials and questioning the setup of the experiment. There is no clear consensus yet, as different interpretations of the lab requirements are being explored.

Contextual Notes

There are indications that the original poster may have misunderstood the lab manual, and concerns are raised about the potential impact of a microwave's stirrer on the experiment's results.

helpme2011
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For this lab, I'm supposed to use materials that heat up but doesn't allow heat to transfer. I've used raw spaghetti noodles already but I still a few more for more trials.
So what materials are good for this lab? after heating up the material, I measure the distance between the "hot spots" so I can deduce the wavelength of the standing wave ( I have no clue what that means) and from that determine the speed of light.

Is this enough information for someone to help me?
 
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helpme2011 said:
For this lab, I'm supposed to use materials that heat up but doesn't allow heat to transfer. I've used raw spaghetti noodles already but I still a few more for more trials.
So what materials are good for this lab? after heating up the material, I measure the distance between the "hot spots" so I can deduce the wavelength of the standing wave ( I have no clue what that means) and from that determine the speed of light.

Is this enough information for someone to help me?

Use a chocolate bar. The distance between the molten parts are indicating the wavelength.
 
helpme2011 said:
For this lab, I'm supposed to use materials that heat up but doesn't allow heat to transfer. I've used raw spaghetti noodles already but I still a few more for more trials.
So what materials are good for this lab? after heating up the material, I measure the distance between the "hot spots" so I can deduce the wavelength of the standing wave ( I have no clue what that means) and from that determine the speed of light.

Is this enough information for someone to help me?

I've also tried egg white! I need at least two more materials I think.
 
I think you read the lab manual incorrectly.
 
Microwave ovens may have a "stirrer" to distrupt the standing wave pattern. Are you being provided with a microwave especially for this experiment?
 

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