Microwave Phenomenon: Why Does a Dish Stay Cool While Food Is Hot?

How do microwaves heat up food differently from empty dishes?

A. Microwaves heat up water molecules in food
B. Microwaves heat up plastic and glass dishes
C. Microwaves cool down food instead of heating it up
D. Microwaves have no effect on dishes or food

Answer:

The answer is A. Microwaves heat up water molecules in food.

When a dish of food is placed in a microwave, the water molecules inside the food absorb the microwave energy and begin to vibrate rapidly, generating heat. This is why the food becomes hot after being microwaved. On the other hand, empty dishes made of plastic or glass do not contain water molecules to absorb the microwave energy, resulting in them staying relatively cool even when the food is hot.

It is important to note that the heating process in a microwave is selective to materials that contain polar molecules, like water, which can absorb the microwave energy. Materials without these polar molecules, such as glass or plastic, do not interact with the microwaves in the same way and therefore do not get heated up significantly.

This phenomenon showcases the efficiency of microwaves in heating food while keeping surrounding materials cool, making them a convenient and safe kitchen appliance for everyday use.