Using a Microwave Oven to Measure the Speed of Light

AI Thread Summary
The discussion focuses on a lab project where participants are tasked with measuring the speed of light using materials that heat up without transferring heat. Suggestions for suitable materials include raw spaghetti noodles, chocolate bars, and egg whites, which can help identify "hot spots" to measure the wavelength of standing waves. There is concern about the potential interference from microwave stirrers affecting the experiment's results. Clarification is sought on whether a specific microwave is designated for the experiment. The conversation emphasizes the need for effective materials to ensure accurate measurements in this unique lab setup.
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?
 
Thread 'Variable mass system : water sprayed into a moving container'

Thread 'Variable mass system : water sprayed into a moving container'

Starting with the mass considerations #m(t)# is mass of water #M_{c}# mass of container and #M(t)# mass of total system $$M(t) = M_{C} + m(t)$$ $$\Rightarrow \frac{dM(t)}{dt} = \frac{dm(t)}{dt}$$ $$P_i = Mv + u \, dm$$ $$P_f = (M + dm)(v + dv)$$ $$\Delta P = M \, dv + (v - u) \, dm$$ $$F = \frac{dP}{dt} = M \frac{dv}{dt} + (v - u) \frac{dm}{dt}$$ $$F = u \frac{dm}{dt} = \rho A u^2$$ from conservation of momentum , the cannon recoils with the same force which it applies. $$\quad \frac{dm}{dt}...
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