Original film · Microwave physics
Why Microwave Food Heats Unevenly
See how standing-wave hot spots can leave one bite hot and the next cold, and why a turntable helps without guaranteeing even cooking.
Transcript
Ever wonder why one bite burns while the next is cold? Microwaves can form standing waves inside an oven. In this simplified model, bright bands show where the field transfers more energy. Keep the dish still and those same patches keep heating. Now turn the dish. Most points move through stronger and weaker parts of the field, spreading their exposure. Compare both dishes over the same time. Turning helps, but it does not guarantee even cooking. Real ovens and food are more complicated. Explore the pattern yourself at Explainer Tools dot com.