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
Messages
11
Reaction score
0
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?
 
Physics news on Phys.org
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 'Collision of a bullet on a rod-string system: query'

Thread 'Collision of a bullet on a rod-string system: query'

In this question, I have a question. I am NOT trying to solve it, but it is just a conceptual question. Consider the point on the rod, which connects the string and the rod. My question: just before and after the collision, is ANGULAR momentum CONSERVED about this point? Lets call the point which connects the string and rod as P. Why am I asking this? : it is clear from the scenario that the point of concern, which connects the string and the rod, moves in a circular path due to the string...
View full post »
Thread 'A cylinder connected to a hanged mass'

Thread 'A cylinder connected to a hanged mass'

Let's declare that for the cylinder, mass = M = 10 kg Radius = R = 4 m For the wall and the floor, Friction coeff = ##\mu## = 0.5 For the hanging mass, mass = m = 11 kg First, we divide the force according to their respective plane (x and y thing, correct me if I'm wrong) and according to which, cylinder or the hanging mass, they're working on. Force on the hanging mass $$mg - T = ma$$ Force(Cylinder) on y $$N_f + f_w - Mg = 0$$ Force(Cylinder) on x $$T + f_f - N_w = Ma$$ There's also...
View full post »

Similar threads

B What's the reason microwave oven frequencies are at 2.45 Ghz?
Replies
30
Views
10K
Wireless routers vs. microwave ovens
2
Replies
72
Views
6K
B Measuring Speed of Light: Transit Time & Interference
Replies
18
Views
2K
A way to make the standing-wave patterns in a microwave oven visible
Replies
4
Views
2K
I Applying Reisenbach Transf. to EM Wave in Microwave Oven
Replies
16
Views
2K
Measuring the speed of light with chocolate and a microwave oven
Replies
8
Views
3K
Physics of a microwave - why does the turntable spin?
Replies
9
Views
3K
B One-Way Speed of Light
2
Replies
93
Views
5K
I Why is Rømer's light speed measurement not one-way?
Replies
42
Views
3K
How to measure the speed of light with this setup
Replies
2
Views
2K

Hot Threads

Recent Insights

Back
Top