Well that has been asked and answered here: Why is electric field strong at sharp edges? So yes, the concentrated oscillating electric field and resulting high electric field seems very plausible between the tines of the fork. That, in turn, causes the sparks. Another related point worth noting is that the actual movement of electrons is considerably slower than build up of strong electric field.
The electric field causes the dielectric breakdown. The energy produced in a microwave oven is at a macro-scale wavelength on the order of centimeters , and leaves the emitter as a coherent wave - one wavelength, phase, and polarization. Despite the "stirring fan" and other measures, objects in the oven will still experience relatively orderly macro-scale radio waves and therefore exhibit macro-scale effects. Radio waves including microwaves will induce voltage differentials and electrical eddy currents in conductors.
On the other hand, visible light is at a micro-scale wavelength in the range of nanometers. Ordinary light sources daylight, incandescent, fluorescent, etc. As such, there is no macro-scale order as occurs with the microwaves produced in a microwave oven, and there is therefore no possibility of corresponding macro-scale effects.
Even laser light, which is coherent uniform wavelength, phase, polarization is still at a micro-scale wavelength. It could generate a plasma dislocating electrons, etc.
The basic idea is that microwaves are a form of electromagnetic radiation-- light. That light consists of an oscillating magnetic and electric field component. By Faraday's Law of Induction, a magnetic field in flux induces a current in a conductor Sign up to join this community.
Thanks so much, just needed to clean the rack. I just wanted to thank you for this article. My microwave begun doing a fairly good impression of a firework and it turns out my wave guide cover was at fault. Having worked 18 hours yesterday then a somehow more stressful 11 today with only 4 hours between them, only to then wonder why my microwave was trying to kill me… you get the picture. I bought a new microwave and after checking this all I needed was a new wave guide.
And two seconds to replace it. Thanks for the info. No sparks! However it looked as if it was melting the edges of the hole behind where the wave guide cover was. Is that because the wave diffuser was missing? I was smelling an odor several times like burnt plastic, then it sparked.
Is this a sign it is in need of replacement? I actually forget a steel spoon inside the microwave and just switched it on the microwave had a spark inside and i just stopped it now im scared to on it is my microwave in danger or do i have to change it?
The guide cover becomes conductor due food particle contamination. Certain portion of it having metal deposition. But some portion of the cover worned.
What kind of material can be used as cover? We also have roaches and suspect they screwed something up in the microwave. Your email address will not be published. Currently you have JavaScript disabled. In order to post comments, please make sure JavaScript and Cookies are enabled, and reload the page. Click here for instructions on how to enable JavaScript in your browser. The possible reasons for sparking and arcing inside microwave are: 1. Metal scarp inside microwave A small metal piece is enough to cause a spark inside your microwave.
Damaged wave guide cover There is a cover called wave guide cover over the magnetron which conveys or guides the heat waves to the central area where food is kept. Damaged Rack support Some microwaves have a rack supports, which is a hook like part. Loading recommendations Share on Facebook Share. Share on Twitter Tweet. Share on Pinterest Share. Share on Digg Share. No oven mitts! Is your microwave not heating food? Most people who read this article also read 7 best built in microwave ovens for your home - November 17, Causes of microwave not working but has power - June 22, Do you need microwave magnetron replacement?
They can heat your food without putting in effort on your part. However, you might have noticed that it is sparking. So, what could be causing the microwave to spark? We researched this topic to get you all the information you need about this. Next, let the microwave settle before you open it. Once ready, inspect the inside for any metal scraps that might have snuck in. If you find no definite signs of metal, there can be other causes for the sparks.
The causes include:. These are some of the causes for a spark. Can sparks cause an explosion in a microwave? Is it a fire hazard if a microwave sparks? There are many reasons why a microwave could spark. Did you use aluminum foil to wrap your food? Even a tiny bit of foil can cause a spark inside the microwave. Did you recently clean the inside with steel wool? Make sure there are no traces of metal inside. For example, grapes are one type of food that you should avoid putting inside a microwave.
In general, vegetables and fruit have the potential to produce an arc. P lants store micronutrients in the roots.
The micronutrients include minerals like iron. As the article goes on, it states that having pointy edges in the iron deposits helps produce this arc. In their words, think of it as a lightning rod.
Since the electric field does the cooking, any foods with metal will locally enhance the electric field. In simple terms, it creates a stronger electric field than the air around it. In some cases, it might even reflect energy back into the microwave, forcing it to shut down. In writing, it sounds like a weird phenomenon.
The results can vary since not all vegetables are the same. One food can contain minerals inside but, it may not even spark! Other foods like grapes can have a different reaction! It might pique your interest but remember not to try it out at home!
In general, you should avoid reheating foods high in nitrates. These foods include:. Another potential cause could be a diode burn. A diode works alongside a capacitor and magneton to produce heat.
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